m 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


OR, 


REVELATIONS 


OF 


A  PHYSICIAN'S  WIFE. 


FOURTH    THOUSAND. 


BOSTON: 
PUBLISHED   BY  JOHN  P.  JEWETT  &  CO. 

CLEVELAND,  OHIO:  JEWETT,  PROCTOR  &  WORTHINGTON. 

NEW  YORK:  SHELDON,  LAMPORT  &  BLAKEMAN. 

LONDON:  TRUBNER  &  CO. 

1855. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1855,  by 

JOHN  P.  JEWETT  &  CO. 
In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts, 


ANDOVEK:   w.  F.   DRAPER, 

STEREOTYPER    AND    PRINTER. 


/OS? 

3  ffr 


TO 

DOCTOR  JOHN  JEFFRIES, 

MY  HIGHLY  ESTEEMED   PHYSICIAN, 
THIS   VOLUME   IS   AFFECTIONATELY    DEDICATED, 

IN  GRATEFUL   REMEMBRANCE   OF   HIS  PROFESSIONAL   SERVICES, 

BUT   WITHOUT   HIS   CONSENT, 

FROM   A   DESIRE    OF    THE    AUTHOR 

TO   REMAIN    STRICTLY 

INCOGNITO. 


COEA  AND  THE  DOCTOE. 


CHAPTER  I. 

"  Dear  Mother  —  between  friend  and  friend, 
Prose  answers  every  common  end ; 
Serves  in  a  plain  and  homely  way, 
To  express  the  occurrence  of  the  day, 
Our  health,  the  weather,  and  the  news, 
What  walks  we  tak( ,  what  books  we  choose, 
And  all  the  floating  thoughts  we  find 
Upon  the  surface  of  the  mind."        SOUTIIEY'S  COWPER. 

Ship  Castor  and  Pollux,  off  Staten  Island,  9  o'clock,  Monday 
morning,  June  1st,  1835. 

DEAREST  MOTHER, — We  are  fast  nearing  land.  The  pilot  is  al 
ready  on  board ;  and  I  shall  soon  set  my  foot  upon  the  new  world 
which  is  henceforth  to  be  my  home. 

In  fulfilment  of  my  promise,  I  begin  thus  e'arly  my  journal  of 
daily  events,  which  I  shall  transmit  to  you  from  time  to  time  as 
opportunity  shall  offer. 

A  torrent  of  emotion  rushes  through  my  mind,  pleasure  min 
gled  with  pain  —  pleasure  at  the  prospect  of  the  happiness,  I  may 
reasonably  expect  in  the  society  of  a  beloved  husband  —  and  pain 
at  the  thought  of  the  long  time  which  will  probably  intervene 
before  I  shall  see  the  loved  members  of  our  home-circle,  and  also 
from  the  assurance  that  when  I  set  my  foot  upon  the  shores  of  the 
Western  continent,  the  broad  Atlantic  will  roll  between  us. 

But  I  must  turn  from  these  sad  musings  to  the  scene  around  me. 
The  passengers  are  all  wide  awake ;  Some  are  hurrying  to  and 

1* 


6  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

fro  in  search  of  baggage,  while  others,  having  succeeded  in  getting 
their  trunks  brought  on  deck,  are  sitting  upon  them  and  awaiting 
their  search  by  the  Custom  House  officers.  But  by  far  the 
greater  part  are  standing  in  groups,  leaning  over  the  railing  of  the 
ship,  eagerly  gazing  at  the  shore,  talking  earnestly  of  friends  whom 
they  expect  to  meet,  or  expressing  curiosity  at  the  sight  of  America, 
the  birth  place  of  the  immortal  WASHINGTON. 

My  dear  Frank  pointed  out  to  me  the  harbor  with  the  skiffs 
flying  in  every  direction  —  the  forest  of  masts  with  their  national 
flags  —  the  lofty  spires  pointing  heaven-ward  —  and  the  stately 
domes  looming  up  to  view,  while  directly  before  us  are  the 
wharves  lined  with  extensive  ware-rooms  and  store-houses.  But 
I  must  close  the  first  page  in  my  journal. 

Crawford,  Tuesday,  June  2d. 

We  reached  New  York  in  season  for  dinner  at  the  Astor  House, 
and  for  the  evening  boat  to  Providence,  from  which  place  we  took 
the  stage-coach  for  Crawford  ;  and  arrived  here  about  noon.  At 
the  public  house,  which  I  should  judge  was  a  mile  distant,  we 
alighted  ;  and  I  saw  a  broad-shouldered,  well-dressed  colored  man 
come  eagerly  forward  and  seize  the  Doctor  by  the  hand,  while  he 
cast  a  glance  of  curiosity  at  me. 

"  This  is  your  young  Mistress,  Caesar,"  said  Frank. 

Caesar  took  off  his  hat,  bowing  and  scraping  in  the  most  approv 
ed  style ;  and  when  I  gave  him  my  hand,  he  exhibited  a  splendid 
set  of  ivory,  extending  almost  from  ear  to  ear. 

My  husband  went  with  me  into  the  public  house,  where  I  re 
mained  until  he  and  Cnesar  had  attended  to  the  baggage.  I  spent 
the  interim  in  picturing  to  myself  a  rural  cottage  with  a  luxuriant 
vine  running  over  the  door.  This  same  vine  had  always  figured 
largely  in  my  imaginary  home,  but  my  fancy  had  not  advanced  to 
the  interior,  when  Frank  came  to  call  me. 

I  cannot  account  for  the  impression  I  had  formed,  that  the 
Doctor  was  not  a  man  of  wealth  ;  I  had  even  pleased  myself  vastly 


OR,  KEVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S  WIFE.  7 

with  plans  of  industry,  prudence  and  economy,  by  which  I  intend 
ed  to  provide  necessaries  and  even  luxuries  for  the  family.  The 
Doctor  had  carefully  avoided  all  description  of  our  future  home, 
answering  me  only  by  smiles,  if  I  ventured  to  point  out  a  pretty 
cottage,  and  to  ask  whether  it  resembled  ours. 

During  the  drive,  Caesar  was  eager  to  tell  all  the  news.  He 
said,  "  I'se  driven  de  carriage  down  to  meet  Mass'r  Frank  ebery 
time  de  stage  hab  come  in  for  two  days.  I  told  Missus,"  he  con 
tinued,  ''  better  go  ebery  day  for  a  month,  than  have  young  Missus 
come,  and  nobody  pear  dere  to  welcome  her  to  dis  yer  home." 

Frank  laughed  heartily  as  he  said,  "  Your  young  Mistress  will 
be  obliged  to  you  for  sustaining  the  honor  of  the  family." 

I  was  so  much  interested  in  looking  about  me,  and  in  listening 
to  Cresar's  talk  with  his  master,  that  I  had  no  time  to  reconcile 
the  idea  of  a  handsome  carriage,  span  of  horses,  and  colored  driver 
with  my  husband's  supposed  circumstances  —  a  train  of  thought 
which  had  been  started  before  I  left  the  Inn.  But  now  we  were 
drawing  near  my  new  home ;  and  my  heart  began  to  beat  very 
fast.  I  put  my  hand  into  Frank's,  who  pressed  it  tightly  in  his. 

I  was  about  to  go  through  a  very  trying  scene,  to  meet  a  mother 
and  sister,  while  yet  a  perfect  stranger  to  them.  I  feared  they 
would  deem  me  unworthy  of  their  son  and  brother.  My  color 
came  and  wrent,  if  I  can  judge  from  the  burning  of  my  cheeks. 
It  was  with  great  difficulty,  I  could  keep  from  weeping.  I  am 
sure  Frank  understood  my  feelings,  for  he  very  gently  kissed  my 
forehead,  and  whispered,  "  Cora,  you  will  love  my  mother,  and  I 
am  very*  sure  she  will  love  you." 

I  forced  back  my  tears,  and  tried  to  show  him  that  I  meant  to 
deserve  their  love.  I  gave  such  a  start  of  surprise,  when  the 
carriage  stopped  at  the  door  of  a  noble  mansion  that  Frank  laugh 
ing  asked,  "  What?" 

"  Surely,  this  is  not  your  house,"  said  I. 

"  It  is  our  house,"  he  replied  in  a  low  tone,  as  he  handed  me 
from  the  carriage.  I  had  hardly  reached  the  ground,  before  I  was 


8  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

caught  in  the  arms  of  one  of  the  loveliest  girls  I  ever  saw.  She 
kissed  me  repeatedly ;  and  then  sprang  to  her  brother,  saying, 
"  now,  Frank,  that's  just  like  you,  not  to  tell  us  what  a  darling  she 
was!" 

By  this  time  we  had  ascended  the  steps  leading  from  the  front 
entrance,  where  stood  a  fine  looking  woman,  (of  course  she  is,  for 
Frank  is  the  image  of  her),  who  folded  her  arms  about  her  new 
daughter  with  such  a  motherly  embrace  that  my  heart  was  at  rest. 
The  tears  filled  my  eyes  at  the  melting  tone  in  which  she  said,  as 
she  held  our  hands  joined  in  hers ;  "  Welcome,  my  dear  son  and 
daughter ! " —  as  if  she  would  fain  have  blessed  our  union.  She 
evidently  restrained  her  feelings,  and  taking  my  hand  under  her 
arm,  led  me  into  a  large  parlor,  where  there  had  been  a  fire  on  the 
hearth. 

"  "We  hardly  expected  you  to-day,"  she  said,  after  we  were 
seated  ;  "  but  Emily  would  not  rest  until  we  came  over  here  from 
the  cottage." 

"  Don't  you  reside  here  ?  "  I  asked  in  surprise. 

Mrs.  Lenox  smiled,  and  looked  at  her  son,  who  said  pleasantly, 
"  You  see,  mother,  there  is  very  little  of  Eve  about  her." 

"  More  than  you  imagine,"  I  replied  ;  "but  I  was  constrained  to 
suppress  my  curiosity,  as  I  received  such  indefinite  replies  to  my 
questions." 

"  After  to-morrow,"  added  he,  "  I  will  answer  as  many  as  you 
please ;  till  then  I  see  one  who  is  ready  to  answer  before  she  is 
asked." 

Just  then,  Emily  had  stolen  beside  me,  and  putting  her  arm 
around  my  waist  said,  "  Come  with  me,  if  you  are  not  too  tired ; 
and  I  will  show  you  your  room." 

I  went  with  her ;  and,  my  dear  mother,  I  ought  to  be  very 
happy,  and  grateful  to  God  for  casting  my  lot  in  such  a  pleasant 
place,  and  among  such  kind  friends.  As  soon  as  we  were  alone, 
Emily  again  embraced  me,  and  said,  "  I  shall  love  Frank  better 
than  ever,  for  bringing  me  so  dear  a  sister ;  now  he  will  be  con- 


OK,   REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN  3   WIPE.  & 

tented  to  remain  at  home,  instead  of  roving  all  over  creation." 
She  spoke  of  her  brother  with  great  affection,  and  said  with 
enthusiasm,  "  Everybody  loves  Frank  !  " 

She  then  pointed  out  one  thing  after  another,  each  dear  to  me 
as  an  expression  of  his  love,  and  his  desire  to  render  me  happy 
in  my  new  home.  To-morrow  I  hope  to  give  you  a  description 
of  the  house  and  grounds,  over  which,  after  dinner,  I  was  duly 
installed  mistress. 

I  have  written  a  long  time ;  but  my  heart  is  full,  and  I  find  it 
a  relief  to  tell  you  how  kind  my  Heavenly  Father  has  been  to 
me. 


CHAPTER   II. 

"  Here  blend  the  ties  that  strengthen 

Our  hearts  in  hours  of  grief, 
The  silver  links  that  lengthen 
Joy's  visits  when  most  brief."        BERNARD   BARTON. 

Wednesday,  June  3d. 

DEAR  MOTHER, — I  have  just  returned  from  a  pleasant  drive 
with  Mother,  Frank  and  Emily.  You  will  wonder  that  I  can  so 
soon  address  any  other  but  yourself  by  that  endearing  word,  mother  ; 
indeed  it  cost  me  an  effort.  But  this  morning,  she  came  in  soon 
after  breakfast,  and  when  I  said,  joyfully,  "  good  morning,  Mrs. 
Lenox,"  she  kissed  me  tenderly  and  said,  "  can  you  give  me  no 
dearer  name,  my  child  ?  "  I  looked  up  in  her  face,  and  felt  that 
I  could  call  her  "  mother."  I  wish,  I  could  describe  to  you  the 
impression,  she  makes  upon  me.  She  is  very  gentle  and  tender  in 
her  manner,  particularly  so  to  her  only  son.  She  is  also  cheerful ; 
but  I  think  she  must  have  known  what  sorrow  is,  heart-felt, 
abiding  sorrow.  Though  the  expression  of  her  countenance  is 
placid  and  touchingly  sweet,  yet,  as  I  watched  her  yesterday,  1 
could  see  her  eyes  fill  with  tears  as  she  looked  at  Frank. 

I  never  saw  a  son  more  affectionate  and  respectful  to  his 
mother.  There  is  a  perfect  understanding  between  them.  It 
was  his  earnest  wish  to  have  her  and  his  sister  live  with  him,  as 
the  house  is  very  large ;  but  she  thought  it  not  best.  The  prop 
erty  was  left  him  by  his  father,  and  he  has  put  up  for  her  a 
beautiful  English  cottage,  separated  from  his  dwelling  only  by  the 
garden,  while  the  carriage  drive  passes  from  one  to  the  other. 

I  promised  you  a  description   of  my  new  home.     Imagine 


REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  11 

yourself  entering  from  the  street  an  avenue  lined  with  trees, 
(linden  I  think)  and  winding  for  about  twenty  or  thirty  rods  up 
to  a  stately  mansion.  From  the  carriage  drive,  you  ascend  ten 
or  twelve  steps  to  the  front  entrance,  over  which  is  a  very  fine 
portico  supported  by  large  pillars  which  are  completely  covered 
with  a  running-rose  vine.  Entering  the  outer  door,  you  stand  in 
a  spacious  hall,  which  runs  directly  through  the  house  and  opens 
in  the  rear  upon  a  piazza  extending  the  entire  length  of  the 
building.  From  this  piazza  there  is  a  most  enchanting  prospect. 
Blue  mountains  skirt  the  horizon,  while  a  beautiful  lake  nestles  in 
their  bosom. 

There  are  four  large  rooms  on  the  ground  floor,  two  parlors  in 
front,  a  dining-room  and  a  sitting  room  in  the  rear.  In  addition 
to  these  there  are  wings  on  each  side  of  the  house.  One  is 
entered  from  the  sitting-room,  and  is  devoted  to  Frank's  library 
and  cabinet ;  the  other  enters  from  the  dining-room  and  is  occu 
pied  by  Mistress  Phebe  Lenox  in  her  culinary  department. 

In  the  second  story  there  are  five  chambers,  together  with  two 
in  the  attic.  Ca3sar  has  a  neat  room  finished  off  over  the  carriage 
house,  which  he  and  Phebe  appropriate  to  themselves. 

The  fifth  room  on  the  second  floor  I  shall  not  forget  to  de 
scribe.  It  is  over  the  rear  hall,  opening  from  our  room  ;  and  my 
kind  husband  has  fitted  it  up  as  my  boudoir.  I  can't  conceive 
how  he  knew  so  exactly  what  I  should  like.  Emily  says  he 
selected  everything  himself,  and  that  it  has  been  a  subject  of 
mirth  for  her  that  he  should  know  the  minutiae  of  a  lady's  toilet. 
There  is  one  large  French  window  which  opens  like  a  door  upon 
the  balcony  over  the  piazza.  Rose-colored  curtains  are  draped 
from  it,  so  that  I  can  be  secluded  at  pleasure.  Before  the  window 
stands  an  elegant  easy-chair,  large  enough  for  both  of  us,  and  near 
it  a  table  holding  a  desk,  with  every  convenience  for  writing.  At 
this  I  am  now  sitting,  and  I  prophesy  it  will  be  a  favorite  resort. 

Two-thirds  of  the  length  of  the  room  opposite  the  window  is 


12  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOR  ; 

occupied  by  a  wardrobe  of  j;he  most  convenient  kind,  containing 
fixtures  for  hanging  dresses,  also  shelves  and  drawers. 

Opposite  the  door  leading  from  my  room,  is  a  dressing  table 
standing  before  a  long  mirror.  This  table  is  furnished  with 
everything  which  even  a  French  lady  can  wish  in  the  making  of 
her  toilet,  and  is  equally  tasteful  and  convenient. 

In  the  corner  beyond  the  wardrobe,  stands  a  beautiful  pit 
Italian   statuary,  representing  a  young  girl  bearing  a  baskt. 
fruit.     She   has   such   a  touching   expression   upon    her   Jovel} 
countenance  that  I  can  hardly  persuade  myself  she  is  not  im 
ploring  my  sympathy. 

I  have  described  my  own  little  boudoir  more  particularly  than 
any  other  apartment,  that  you  may  be  able  to  think  of  me  where 
I  shall  spend  most  of  my  time. 

He#e  I  may  court  the  muses.  Indeed,  I  feel  more  than  half 
inspired  already,  by  the  magnificent  landscape  before  me. 

Afternoon. 

I  did  'nt  quite  understand,  yesterday,  what  Frank  meant 
about  answering  my  questions  to-day ;  but  while  I  was  busily 
writing  this  morning,  I  heard  a  gentle  knock  at  the  door.  I 
sprang  up  and  opened  it  for  my  husband. 

He  smiled  when  he  saw  how  I  was  engaged,  and  wheeling  the 
chair  from  the  table  to  the  window,  sat  down  and  took  me  on  his 
knee. 

" "Well,  Cora,  how  do  you  like  your  new  home?  Phebe  has 
just  expressed  her  opinion  that '  you  '11  be  wonted  soon.' " 

"Oh,  it's  beautiful!"  I  exclaimed,  "why  didn't  you  tell  me, 
that  I  might  have  the  pleasure  of  anticipating  these  beauties  ?  " 

"  I  could  not  be  quite  sure  what  fancies  floated  in  your  mind, 
and  I  had  rather  surprise  than  disappoint  you." 

"  Oh,  Frank,  you  surely  know  me  better  than  that !  but  look 
there,"  said  I,  pointing  to  the  beautiful  lake  before  us.  We 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  13 

looked  in  silence  for  a  moment,  when  he  laughed,  and  inquired  if 
I  had  no  questions  to  ask  him.  "  I  am  ready,"  said  he,  "  to  un 
dergo  a  regular  catechising." 

In  an  instant  all  my  former  fancies  of  my  husband's  poverty, 
and  of  my  assisting  him  darted  through  my  mind.  I  suppose,  I 
looked  rather  sober,  for  he  turned  my  face  toward  him  with  a 
questioning  look. 

"  I  imagined,  you  were  poor,"  said  I,  hesitatingly. 

Oh,  what  a  merry  peal  of  laughter  rang  through  the  room !  It 
was  a  minute  or  more  before  he  could  recover  himself,  while  I 
did  n't  know  whether  to  laugh  or  cry.  But  laughing  is  contagious, 
and  soon  the  absurdity  of  crying  because  I  had  the  best  husband 
in  the  world,  and  with  him  everything  that  heart  could  desire, 
caused  me  to  join  cordially  with  him. 

However,  he  soon  took  both  my  hands  in  his,  in  a  manner 
peculiar  to  him  when  he  has  anything  special  to  say,  and  resumed, 
" It  is  high  time,  my  love,  you  should  know  who  you  are"  I  will 
give  you  the  substance  of  his  story. 

His  father  was  a  man  of  independent  fortune,  who  died  about 
eight  years  ago,  soon  after  Frank  reached  his  majority,  and  a  few 
months  subsequent  to  his  graduation  from  college.  Frank  had 
always  desired  to  be  a  physician,  though  his  father  arid  mother 
had  hoped  he  would  become  a  minister.  The  property  "was  by 
will  equally  divided  among  the  three,  his  mother,  sister  and  him- 
gelf. 

Five  of  the  years  Since  his  father's  death  he  has  spent  in 
Europe,  studying  his  profession,  and  travelling.  During  this 
time  he  returned  twice  to  see  his  mother,  and  to  direct  about  the 
estate.  After  this  he  passed  eighteen  months  in  one  of  the 
southern  cities,  practising  medicine.  Then  determining  to  go 
abroad  again,  he  passed  the  winter  in  Paris,  where  you  remember, 
I  first  met  him. 

"  I  hardly  know,"  said  he,  "  where  I  should  have  been  now, 
if  you  had  said  nay  to  one  question,  I  asked.  But  I  thank  God 

2 


14  tfORA   AHD    THE   DOCTOR; 

for  giving  me  my  sweet  wife."  This,  lie  said  so  seriously  that  I 
hid  my  face  in  his  bosom  to  conceal  my  tears. 

Then  in  a  few  words  he  delineated  the  person  and  character  of 
his  father,  who  was  a  very  godly  man,  distinguished  throughout 
the  country  for  sound  judgment,  patriotism  and  benevolence. 
Frank  described  the  heart-rending  affliction  of  his  mother,  the 
asperities  of  which  time  had  somewhat  softened.  She  is  but 
forty-eight  years  of  age,  though  I  had  supposed  her  much  older. 
She  has  received  frequent  proposals  for  a  second  marriage ;  but 
never  for  a  moment  could  think  of  entering  the  matrimonial  state, 
while  her  heart  was  so  full  of  precious  recollections  of  her  de 
ceased  husband. 

The  Doctor  looked  quite  serious,  as  he  always  does  when  his 
countenance  is  not  lighted  with  a  smile.  But  I  diverted  his 
thoughts  with  the  request,  "  tell  me  about  Emily." 

"  She  is  in  temperament  like  my  father,"  he  replied,  "  full  of 
life  and  spirit ;  ever  ready  to  weep  with  those  that  weep,  and  to 
rejoice  with  those  that  rejoice  ;  she  is  just  one  month  older  than 
you,  Cora ;  time  will  prove,"  he  added  pleasantly,  as  he  smoothed 
back  my  hair,  "  which  is  the  wiser." 

Thursday,  June  4ih. 

This  morning,  invitations  have  been  sent  to  friends  of  the 
family  for  a  levee  at  mother's  cottage,  in  honor  of  the  bride. 
Frank  says  my  associates  in  town  will  be  likely  to  be  of  a  very 
promiscuous  character.  To-morrow  evening  I  am  to  be  introduced 
to  the  aristocracy,  and  afterwards  to  my  husband's  poor  patients, 
of  whom  Emily  affirms  there  are  no  inconsiderable  number. 

This  is  a  shire  town,  and  a  court  is  in  session  here,  which 
brings  many  distinguished  members  of  the  legal  profession  to  the 
place.  I  am  told  it  contains  from  eight  to  ten  thousand  inhabitants. 
I  have  seen  some  very  beautiful  country  seats ;  and  I  should  think 
it  well  laid  out. 

There  is  a  principal  street  running  through  the  centre,  lined 


OK,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WtFE.  15 

with  houses.  Upon  it  private  dwellings  are  interspersed  with 
shops,  stores,  ware-rooms,  and  other  places  of  business.  The 
main  street  is  very  wide,  and  at  this  season  looks  finely,  with  its 
splendid  rows  of  shade  trees. 

Within  a  few  years  many  persons  have  left  their  residences  in 
Broad  Street,  and  have  built  cottages  and  villas  on  the  forest 
heights  overlooking  the  village  and  the  surrounding  country. 

The  Doctor  was  summoned  this  morning  to  a  sick  woman. 
This  is  his  first  professional  call  since  his  return ;  but  now  I 
must  be  reconciled  to  his  leaving  me  often,  as  he  has  a  very 
large  practice. 

There  are  more  than  half  a  score  of  regular  practitioners  in  the 
place,  all  of  whom  are  invited  to  mother's  levee.  Oh,  if  my 
friends  from  home  could  be  there !  I  find  writing  a  very  poor 
substitute  for  talking  with  you.  With  what  delight  shall  I  read 
your  letters.  Isabel  and  Nelly  must  write  about  everything,  as 
they  promised.  Beloved  home,  parents  and  sisters,  how  my  heart 
longs  for  one  more  look,  one  fond  embrace. 


Friday,  June  5th. 

MY  services  have  been  put  in  requisition  at  the  cottage,  or 
rather  my  advice  (don't  laugh,  Bell!)  has  been  requested  with  re 
gard  to  the  arrangements  for  the  table,  fruits  and  flowers.  Emily 
says,  I  know  everything,  or  ought  to,  as  I  was  educated  in  France. 

I  told  her,  all  I  knew  was  heartily  at  her  service ;  and  straight 
way  the  lively  girl  pulled  off  my  bonnet  and  gloves,  and  set  me 
to  work,  making  bouquets  for  the  table. 

After  this,  we  entered  right  merrily  into  the  preparations  for 
the  evening,  while  mother  was  busily  engaged  with  the  cook.  We 
had  all  things  arranged  to  our  minds,  and  had  resolved  ourselves 
into  a  tasting  committee  of  the  various  luxuries  for  the  entertain 
ment,  when  Frank  came  in  and  took  me  home  with  him. 

I  had  been  deliberating  about  my  toilet  for  the  occasion,  when 


16  CORA  AND    THE   DOCTOR. 

he  presented  me  an  exquisite  bouquet  of  white  flowers,  together 
with  some  beautiful  white  moss-rose  buds  for  my  hair.  I  fairly 
clapped  my  hands  with  delight,  they  reminded  me  so  much  of 
home.  I  could  say  nothing  in  reply  but  "  dear  Frank  1 " 


CHAPTER    III. 

"  If  ye  court  society  for  pastime,  —  what  happier  recreation  than  a  nurseling. 
Its  winning  ways,  its  prattling  tongue,  its  innocence  and  mirth."        TUITER. 

Saturday,  June  Ql/i. 

On !  Mother,  if  you  could  sit  by  me  for  an  hour  it  would  be  so 
delightful,  for  I  have  much  to  tell  you,  and  my  pen  will  not  move 
fast  enough.  But  I  will  begin  my  story.  I  dressed  in  due  time. 
The  girls  will  be  pleased  to  know  that  I  wore  my  white  lisse  crape, 
with  no  ornaments  but  the  flowers  in  my  hair,  and  a  small  bunch 
in  my  bodice.  When  I  descended  to  the  parlor,  Frank  was 
awaiting  me,  and  his  eyes  expressed  satisfaction  with  my 
toilet. 

"We  repaired  to  the  cottage  early,  by  mother's  request.  Soon 
after  carnages  began  to  roll  up  to  the  door.  I  Avas  presented  first 
to  the  clergyman,  Mr.  Munroe,  who  has  been  settled  in  Crawford 
but  a  short  time.  He  is  very  free  and  social  in  manner,  dignified 
and  graceful  in  person ;  I  think  he  will  prove  an  agreeable  friend. 
Mother  says,  he  loves  the  work  in  which  he  is  engaged. 

There  was  also  a  younger  minister  present,  from  an  adjoining 
parish,  about  whom  I  must  make  some  farther  inquiries.  He  was 
quite  too  devoted  irt  his  attentions  to  my  fair  sister  Emily ;  and 
when  I  asked  of  her  an  explanation,  a  blush  was  her  only  reply. 

I  cannot  begin  to  describe  one  half  the  persons  who  were 
present,  but  I  will  mention  a  few,  who,  from  different  causes,  in 
terested  me. 

A  tall  portly  man,  hardly  a  gentleman,  with  a  self-important  air, 
a  very  large  pattern  to  his  vest,  with  heavy  chains  and  seals, 

2* 


18  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOR} 

which  he  dangled  incessantly,  addressed  me  in  a  patronizing  man 
ner.  He  asked  me  how  I  liked  "  living  among  Yankees,"  and 
said  I  must  come  round  to  his  place  before  I  made  up  my  mind 
about  it.  He  then  bowed  himself  away.  Emily  said,  in  a  low 
voice,  "  that  is  our  nabob,  Squire  Lee." 

Next  came  an  elderly  gentleman,  who,  in  figure  and  conversa 
tion,  formed  a  striking  contrast  to  the  one  who  preceded  him. 
This  was  Mr.  Marshall,  a  distinguished  attorney.  He  was  ac 
companied  by  his  wife,  a  very  handsome  lady  considerably  younger 
than  her  husband.  They  both  expressed  much  kind  interest  in 
the  young  stranger. 

Then  came  a  lovely  young  lady  with  her  brother,  children  of 
Squire  Lee,  the  distiller.  The  young  man  seemed  cast  in  the 
same  mould  as  his  father.  He  was  dressed  in  the  height  of 
fashion,  but  without  taste,  with  a  flaunting  neck  tie,  a  gayly 
embroidered  vest,  and  full  pantaloons.  He  was  rather  below 
the  medium  height,  but  of  very  full  habit.  His  face  was  flushed, 
and  when  he  bowed  the  blood  rushed  violently  to  his  head,  render 
ing  his  face  red  as  crimson.  But  his  air  was  so  consequential,  and 
his  talk  in  a  style  so  pompous  and  imposing,  I  could  scarcely 
suppress  my  mirth.  This  was  the  more  noticeable  by  the  contrast  of 
his  whole  appearance  with  his  sister,  a  very  modest,  amiable  look 
ing  girl,  who  evidently  feared  lest  her  brother,  in  his  desire  to 
impress  me  with  his  dignity,  should  disgrace  both  himself  and 
her. 

After  these,  came  the  Mansfields,  the  Harrisses,  Justice  Wilson 
and  family,  the  Johnsons,  Mr.  Willard,  Dr.  Clapp,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Morris  Whitney,  and  a  great  many  whom  I  cannot  remember. 

When  this  procession  had  passed  with  a  word  of  salutation 
from  each,  with  now  a  bow,  and  then  a  smile,  Mrs.  Marshall  in 
troduced  to  me  a  lady  whose  countenance  I  shall  never  forget. 
I  should  think  her  near  fifty  years  of  age,  not  handsome,  but  with 
a  kind  expression,  full  of  mildness  and  benevolence.  Frank  ad 
dressed  her  very  cordially,  saying  to  me,  "  Miss  Proctor  is  my 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A    PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  19 

particular  friend."  I  gave  her  my  hand  again,  and  asked  a  share 
in  her  friendship.  She  was  evidently  much  pleased,  and  pressed 
my  hand  at  parting. 

Near  the  close  of  the  evening,  I  met  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Russell,  a 
very  delightful  couple.  His  manner  reminded  me  of  Frank's; 
dignified  and  rather  reserved,  yet  easy  and  graceful  in  conversa 
tion.  His  wife,  on  the  contrary,  was  full  of  life  and  spirits,  orig 
inal  and  witty. 

While  we  were  in  the  refreshment  room,  I  overheard  several 
persons,  talking  about  a  woman  lately  deceased  in  the  village. 
She  was  a  French  woman,  and  by  her  death  her  child  was  left 
without  protection,  I  became  quite  interested  for  the  poor  found 
ling,  and  was  glad  to  learn  that  Miss  Proctor  was  to  pass  the 
night,  in  the  hope  of  being  able  with  mother,  to  provide  for  the 
little  orphan. 

It  was  quite  late ;  but  Frank  stopped  at  my  request  (o  hear 
more  of  her  history.  On  Tuesday  of  this  week,  the  day  of  our 
arrival,  the  French  woman  called  at  the  public  house,  saying,  in 
broken  English,  that  she  was  ill  and  wished  for  a  bed.  The 
landlady  attended  her,  and  soon  found  it  necessary  to  summon  a 
physician.  She  grew  rapidly  worse  and  died  the  next  evening. 
She  had  informed  the  landlady  that  the  child  was  not  hers,  but 
entrusted  to  her  care  by  its  mother,  to  be  conveyed  from  France 
to  England.  The  vessel  in  which  they  sailed  was  wrecked.  But 
they,  with  a  few  other  passengers  and  some  of  the  crew,  were 
taken  on  board  an  American  vessel  and  brought  to  New  York. 
Beyond  this  nothing  is  known. 

I  have  quite  an  idea  of  adopting  the  foundling  if  Frank  will 
consent. 

Evening. 

Dear,  DEAR  MOTHER.  —  On  my  way  to  see  the  little  French 
girl,  I  told  Frank  it  would  please  me  to  take  the  orphan.  He 
smiled  as  he  replied,  "  I  shall  certainly  make  no  objection." 

I  expected  to  see  a  poor,  disconsolate  child,  weeping  for  its 


20  OORA   AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

mother.  Judge  then  of  my  astonishment,  and  delight,  when  I 
found  a  perfect  little  fairy.  She  is  a  brilliant  brunette,  with 
magnificent  eyes,  fringed  with  long  black  lashes,  which  rested  on 
her  cheek  as  she  looked  timidly  down  when  I  entered.  I  was  so 
impressed  with  her  appearance  that  I  instinctively  held  out  my 
arms,  and  said  "  viens  a  moi,  ma  chere  !  " 

The  blood  rushed  to  her  face,  as  with  a  bound  she  sprajig  to 
ward  me,  and  laying  her  curly  head  on.  my  breast,  said,  "  ma  chcre 
maman,je  faime  beau  coup,  beau  coup." 

This  decided  mej  and  I  adopted  her  in  my  heart.  Frank  was 
desirous  to  ascertain  all  that  was  known  about  my  little  protege. 
Mrs.  Morrison,  the  landlady,  left  me  holding  "  Ina,"  as  she  called 
herself,  tightly  in  my  arms,  while  she  led  my  husband  to  the 
room  where  the  body  of  the  woman  was  decently  laid  out  for 
burial.  He  told  me  when  he  returned  that  the  child  bore  not  the 
slightest  resemblance  to  her  attendant. 

After  looking  at  the  corpse,  the  landlady  gave  him  a  small 
packet,  which  she  had  found  in  the  pocket  of  the  deceased  ;  also 
a  necklace  and  locket  taken  from  the  child's  neck.  The  locket 
contained  a  miniature  to  which  Ina  bore  a  close  resemblance. 
Frank  looked  eagerly  for  an  inscription,  but  found  only  the  words 
"  Jfaman  a  Ina." 

"  I  think  these  ought  to  be  preserved  for  the  child,"  said  Mrs. 
Morrison."  "  Who  knows  but  they  may  bring  out  some  day  who 
her  parents  were  ?  "  Frank  assented,  and  assured  her  that  the 
articles  should  be  sacredly  preserved. 

"  Your  wife  seems  to  take  a  great  liking  to  her." 

"  Yes,"  replied  the  Doctor,  "  as  they  are  both  strangers  in  this 
country,  she  thinks  the  little  girl  has  rather  a  claim  upon  her." 

"  Is  she  a  Frencher  too  ?   I  always  heard  she  was  English." 

"  Mrs.  Lenox  was  educated  in  Paris,"  he  replied. 

"  La  now ! "  exclaimed  the  woman,  covering  the  face  of  the 
corpse,  "  I  did'nt  think  of  her  being  so  learned." 

Frank  then  inquired  whether  the  deceased  woman  left  any  prop- 


OB,  REVELATONS    OF   A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  21 

erty,  and  offered  to  pay  the  expenses  they  had  incurred.  Mrs. 
Morrison  brought  forward  an  old  pocket-book  containing  a  few 
dollars,  which  she  said  would  cover  all  the  expenses.  "As  to  the 
child,"  she  continued,  "  I  could  n't  think  of  charging  anything  for 
her.  Somebody  may  one  day  have  to  be  looking  after  my  little 
folks  ; "  and  this  thought  brought  a  tear  to  her  eye. 

I  was  talking  merrily  with  my  sweet  charge,  when  they  returned 
to  the  parlor,  and  having  thanked  the  warm-hearted  landlady  for 
her  kindness  to  the  child,  we  took  our  departure. 

I  was  so  impatient  to  go  home,  and  show  my  treasure  to  mother 
and  sister,  that  I  begged  to  be  excused  from  a  drive,  Frank  had 
promised  me.  Emily  was  quite  as  enthusiastic  as  I  wished,  in 
her  praise  of  my  Ina,  and  tried  playfully  to  induce  me  to  resign 
my  protege  in  her  favor.  The  little  one,  however,  was  fully  per 
suaded  I  was  her  mamma ;  and  I  felt  no  desire  to  undeceive  her. 

She  is  now  safely  asleep  in  her  crib ;  the  same  in  which  Frank 
and  Emily  were  rocked.  I  have  crept  softly  into  the  room  two 
or  three  times.  The  whole  affair  appears  like  a  pleasant  dream. 
Miss  Proctor  has  made  a  night-dress ;  and  Monday  I  must  com 
mence  vigorously  upon  her  wardrobe.  Emily  has  promised  to 
assist  me. 

Sabbath  evening  —  June  1th. 

Tnis  is  my  first  Sabbath  in  America.  It  has  been  a  delightful 
day  to  me  ;  and  I  think  1  can  say,  it  has  been  blessed  to  my  soul. 
Though  far  away  from  country,  home  and  friends,  yet  I  could 
meet  you  all  at  the  throne  of  Grace.  I  prayed  for  every  dear 
member  of  the  home-circle,  and  for  my  beloved  husband,  myself 
and  my  precious  charge. 

I  went  to  church  morning  and  afternoon,  and  was  much  im 
pressed  by  the  services.  There  is  a  seriousness  and  solemnity 
about  the  audience,  which  I  have  seldom  witnessed.  The  sermons 
were  chaste  and  in  some  passages  even  elegant  in  style.  But  what 
pleased  me  more  than  all,  was  the  fervor  with  which  Mr.  Munroe 


22  COEA   AND    THE    DOCTOR; 

delivered  them,  and  the  love  which  he  manifested  for  the  souls  of 
his  people. 

In  the  morning  the  text  was  1  Cor.  15,  22  :  "  For  as  in  Adam 
all  die,  even  so  in  Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive."  He  dwelt  upon 
the  death  which  reigns  in  consequence  of  Adam's  sin ;  and  in  the 
afternoon,  upon  the  resurrection-life  which  all  receive  from 
Christ. 

The  singing  was  performed  by  a  choir  in  the  orchestra,  accom 
panied  by  a  variety  of  instruments. 

When  I  returned  from  Church  this  morning,  my  little  Ina  was 
still  asleep,  as  I  had  left  her.  But  this  afternoon  as  I  went  in, 
she  came  bounding  toward  me,  clapping  her  hands,  and  saying 
"  chere  maman !  chere  maman ! "  I  had  to  take  her  to  my 
boudoir  to  put  off  my  bonnet  and  shawl,  for  she  would  not  leave 
me.  She  was  willing  while  in  my  arms  to  play  with  Frank ;  but 
if  he  attempted  to  take  her  from  me,  she  hid  her  face  in  my  neck. 
I  like  to  have  her  call  me  mamma  when  we  are  alone ;  but  it 
makes  Emily  laugh,  and  I  see  Frank  is  inclined  to  follow  her  ex 
ample,  only  that  he  sees  it  makes  me  blush,  and  embarrasses  me. 
Sweet  child !  I  wish  she  were  my  own  ;  I  cannot  bear  the  thought 
of  parting  with  her.  Yet  it  may  be  that  her  mother  is  mourning 
her  loss. 

Do  you  remember  Pauline  De  Lacy,  my  dear  friend  and 
school-mate,  in  Paris  ?  Ina  looks  so  much  like  her,  one  would 
think  they  must  belong  to  the  same  family ;  indeed,  sisters  seldom 
resemble  each  other  so  exactly.  To-day,  this  has  occurred  to  me 
so  many  times,  that,  with  the  consent  of  all  parties,  I  have  decided 
to  call  her  Pauline  De  Lacy  Lenox.  "  Quite  a  romantic  name," 
Frank  says,  gravely ;  "  but  as  you  are  a  very  romantic  lady,  it  will 
be  in  good  taste." 

I  looked  up  quickly,  intending  to  deny  the  charge,  when  I  saw 
that  roguish  twinkle  in  his  eye,  which  I  begin  to  understand. 

After  au  early  tea,  the  servants  were  called  to  family  prayers. 


OK,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  23 

mother  and  Emily  being  present,  who  are  hereafter  to  return  from 
church  and  spend  Sabbath  evening  with  us.  In  addition  to  the 
usual  services  at  the  domestic  altar,  the  good  old  Puritan  custom 
of  catechising  the  household  is  observed.  It  was  truly  a 
family  service.  The  scene  was  novel  and  interesting  to  me.  All 
joined  in  singing  a  hymn,  and  then  the  Doctor  expressed  our  in 
dividual  wants  in  prayer.  I  was  a  little  fearful  that  Pauline  would 
not  be  quiet ;  but  there  was  a  charm  in  Caesar's  devout  face  which 
occupied  all  her  attention.  Perhaps  a  very  little  fear  was  mingled 
with  her  wonder,  as  she  nestled  herself  very  close  to  me.  But 
the  good  man  took  no  heed  of  the  large  eyes  fixed  on  him  with 
such  seriousness.  His  soul  was  drinking  in  the  Word,  while  he 
regarded  his  young  master  with  fond  respect. 

When  the  rest  of  the  servants  retired,  he  remained,  and  the 
Doctor  asked  him,  "  Well,  my  good  Ctesar,  how  have  you  enjoyed 
the  day?" 

"  Oh,  Mass'r !  dis  yer  pears  like  good  old  times  when  old  Mass'r 
live.  Dem  good  old  days,  berry ! "  Caesar  wiped  his  eyes  with 
his  coat  sleeve  as  he  left  the  room  ;  and  his  was  not  the  only  eye 
moistened  by  this  allusion  to  the  past. 

I  don't  know  as  I  told  you  that  Caesar  and  Phebe  were  pur 
chased  by  Squire  Lenox  from  the  south,  where  they  were  about 
to  be  sold  separately.  He  brought  them  to  the  north,  where,  of 
course,  they  are  free ;  and  they  have  ever  since  constituted  an  im 
portant  part  of  the  family.  Taught  to  read  and  write,  they  have 
for  many  years  been  members  of  the  same  church  with  their 
master  and  mistress. 

Monday  Morning,  June  8th. 

FRANK  has  just  left  me  for  his  morning  calls.  He  came  in 
from  the  garden  when  Cresar  brought  the  carriage  to  the  door,  and 
not  finding  me  below,  he  sprang  up  the  stairs  to  bid  me  good  bye. 
Pauline  looked  up  quickly  and  pointed  with  her  finger  to  direct 
my  attention,  saying,  "  dere  Frank." 


24  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOR  ', 

We  both  laughed  heartily.  He  patted  her  cheek,  "  So  little  miss, 
ghe  's  mamma ;  and  I,  only  Frank.  I  rather  think  you  '11  have  to 
take  me  for  a  papa  for  want  of  a  better ; "  then  turning  to  me, 
"  it  would  sound  oddly  enough.  Now  to  you  the  name  mamma 
seems  natural  as  life,  only  it  makes  you  rather  rosy."  lie  bade 
mother  and  daughter  good  bye,  and  ran  away  in  haste. 

I  am  constantly  haunted  by  the  thought  that  she  is  in  some 
way  connected  with  my  school-mate  Pauline  De  Lacy.  I  have  in 
vain  tried  to  remember  if  she  had  a  married  sister  whose  child 
this  may  be. 

But  I  must  leave  this  subject  and  finish  my  story  about  Crcsar 
and  his  wife.  It  was  a  great  trial  to  them  when  mother  and 
Emily  left  the  old  homestead,  even  to  go  across  the  garden  to 
their  cottage-home,  and  they  desired  to  go  with  them.  But  mother 
overruled  their  objections  and  retained  Ruth,  their  only  child,  a 
capable  girl  of  twenty. 

I  believe  Coesar  trembled  not  a  little  at  the  idea  of  a  new  mis 
tress,  who  he  feared  would  disturb  the  harmony  of  the  family.  I 
have,  however,  gained  his  good  will.  He  treats  me  like  a  toy 
which  he  is  exceedingly  apprehensive  of  injuring. 

As  for  Phebe,  such  is  her  pride  in  the  glory  of  "  our  folks," 
that  as  I  am  a  Lenox,  the  wife  of  Mass'r  Frank,  nothing  can  be 
too  good  for  me.  I  think,  she  likes  me  better  because  I  am  young 
and  inexperienced  in  household  affairs,  and,  therefore,  shall  not  be 
Likely  to  interfere  in  her  department.  There  is,  indeed,  no  occa 
sion  for  me  to  do  so.  She  has  been  well  and  thoroughly  trained 
by  mother,  and  is  fully  competent  to  perform  the  duties  of  her 
station,  while  Ann,  the  chambermaid,  is  equally  so  in  her  appro 
priate  sphere. 

To  tell  you  the  truth,  I  did  not  know  exactly  what  was  expected 
of  me.  One  day  last  week,  I  waited  upon  madam  in  the  kitchen 
and  in  a  very  hesitating  manner  began  to  say  something  about 
dinner,  when  she  soon  interrupted  me,  "  Laws,  missus,  don't  you, 
honey,  trouble  your  precious  head  'bout  sich  kind.  I'se  feel  shamed 


OK,   REVELATIONS    OP   A   1'HYSICIAH's    WIFE.  25 

to  look  Mass'r  Frank  in  de  face,  and  den  pears  like  make  me 
blush  to  have  it  told  down  town ;  little  young  missus  spending  her 
blessed  time  in  de  kitchen." 

I  presume,  I  looked,  as  I  felt,  delighted  to  be  relieved,  and  was 
running  away,  laughingly,  when  she  continued,  "Dere  missus,  go 
long,  please,  and  play  on  de  pianny."  I  came  gladly  away,  but 
spent  the  time  writing  in  my  journal.  Now  I  have  enough  to  oc 
cupy  me  in  the  care  of  my  little  Pauline. 

After  Ann  had  put  her  to  bed  last  night,  Frank  showed  us  the 
little  parcel  given  him  by  the  landlady.  It  contained  part  of  a 
letter  addressed  to  a  domestic,  giving  strict  directions  concerning 
the  child.  It  was  written  in  French,  in  a  delicate  female  hand, 
but  gave  no  clue  as  to  the  name  or  place  of  the  writer.  A 
mother's  heart  evidently  dictated  it,  from  the  numerous  directions 
about  clothing,  diet,  and  the  like.  The  packet  contained,  in  addi 
tion,  a  child's  dress,  with  elaborate  embroidery  upon  the  neck  and 
sleeves  ;  also  a  pair  of  coral  and  gold  sleeve  clasps  to  match  the 
necklace. 

Many  conjectures  were  formed  by  Emily,  respecting  the 
parentage  of  the  child,  after  which  the  articles  were  returned  to 
Frank  to  be  locked  up  safely  among  his  treasures.  His  sister 
mischievously  recommended  him  to  deposit  them  in  a  certain 
trunk,  containing  nothing  but  old  letters,  saying,  with  an  arch 
look  at  me,  "  I  suppose  now  they  are  worthless." 

The  Doctor  deigned  no  reply.  This  amused  Emily  so  much 
that  she  whispered  to  me,  loud  enough  for  him  to  hear,  "  Oh,  the 
deceitfulness  of  man !  He  tries,  beneath  that  solemn  look,  to  make 
you  believe  that  he  does  'nt  value  those  letters  above  rubies.  I  '11 
manage  very  differently  if  I  ever  get  in  love,  which  to  be  sure,  is 
very  unlikely.  I  should  wish  my  husband  to  tell  me  once  in  half 
an  hour  that  I  was  dearer  to  him  than  all  on  earth.  I  've  no 
doubt  Frank  feels  as  I  do,  for  each  one  of  those  letters  used  to 
make  him  bright  for  a  week ;  and  he  hurried  the  poor  carpenters 

3 


26  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

and  masons,  as  if  his  very  life  depended  on  our  moving  away 
from  the  house  as  soon  as  possible." 

"  Emily,"  called  Frank  in  a  serious  tone,  looking  up  gravely 
from  the  book  he  was  reading,  "  did  I  not  hear  something  of  an 
exchange  of  pulpits  between  Mr.  Munroe  and  Mr.  Benson  ?  " 

It  was  now  Emily's  turn  to  be  silent.  She  hesitated,  blushed, 
and  finally  retired  from  the  room.  After  she  left,  Frank  asked 
mother,  "  Do  you  think  Emily  loves  Mr.  Benson  ?  " 

She  replied,  "  I  really  cannot  tell.  Beyond  his  coming  often 
to  the  house,  and  Emily  seeming  rather  pleased  with  his  visits,  1 
know  nothing."  — 

Sister  has  just  returned  from  town,  where  she  has  been  to  make 
purchases  for  Pauline's  wardrobe.  Now  I  must  drop  my  pen, 
and  go  to  work  with  my  scissors  and  needle. 

Tuesday,  June  §th. 

Though  very  busy,  I  must  write  a  few  lines  while  Pauline  is 
asleep.  Emily  and  I  went  to  the  garret  this  morning  —  the  re 
ceptacle  for  all  things  not  in  use,  and  found  a  great  supply  of  play 
things  for  Miss  Pauline.  Among  them  are  a  large  wax  doll,  and 
her  furniture,  which  with  sister's  permission,  I  shall  lay  by  for  fu 
ture  use.  With  a  basket  of  these  toys,  the  dear  child  has  amused 
herself  on  the  floor,  while  mother,  Miss  Proctor,  Emily  and  my 
self  have  been  plying  our  needles.  We  have  one  suit  nearly 
completed,  and  shall  take  her  to  ride  in  it  this  afternoon.  We  are 
to  go  in  the  double  carriage,  and  after  procuring  the  young  Miss 
a  suitable  covering  for  her  curly  head,  we  are  to  drive  as  far  as 
Waverley,  the  parish  of  Emily's  friend,  though  this  part  of  our 
plan  has  not  yet  been  disclosed  to  her  ladyship. 

Evening. 

The  doctor  was  summoned  to  a  patient  after  tea,  but  will,  I 
think,  be  back  soon,  when  I  must  devote  myself  entirely  to  him. 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIPE.  27 

Do  you  know,  dear  mother,  lie  is  trying  to  make  me  think  him 
jealous  of  the  young  lady  I  have  honored  with  my  protection : 
really,  he  says  my  thoughts  are  so  full  of  Pauline  that  I  have 
hardly  looked  at  him  for  two  days.  I  believe  after  all  he  is  as 
bad  as  Emily,  and  wants  me  to  tell  him  "  every  half  hour  what 
a  darling  he  is."  I  must  look  to  this,  for  I  think  I  have  been  to 
blame,  and  he  shall  see  my  heart  is  large  enough  for  both.  He 
knows,  however,  he  occupies  his  full  share  in  my  affections. 

I  remember  once  before  my  marriage  hearing  him  say  to  a 
lady  in  England,  he  would  never  accept  half  a  heart ;  no,  hardly 
one  that  had  loved  before.  He  wanted  the  fresh  and  warm  gush- 
ings  of  affection.  She  inquired  if  he  had  such  a  heart  to  give  in 
return.  He  answered  proudly,  "  I  shall  ask  for  no  more  than  I 
can  bestow." 

I  hear  the  carriage,  and  will  run  to  meet  him. 

Wednesday,  June  10th. 

Last  evening,  Frank  laughed,  as  I  stood  at  the  door,  and  said 
jocosely  "  I  suppose  Miss  Lenox  is  asleep,  and  that  you  are  glad 
even  of  my  company  when  you  have  no  other." 

Though  he  was  laughing,  the  tears  instantly  filled  my  eyes,  and 
I  said,  "  oh,  Frank !  you  know  how  much  more  I  love  you  than 
all  the  Paulines  in  the  world."  I  spoke  earnestly  for  I  thought 
his  words  implied  a  distrust  of  my  love. 

His  manner  changed  at  once,  and  very  tenderly  taking  my 
hand,  he  led  me  to  the  sofa.  He  turned  my  face  to  his,  which  I 
had  vainly  endeavored  to  conceal.  "  Now,  my  love,"  said  he,  when 
he  had  kissed  away  the  tears,  "  let  us  have  a  full  understanding." 

"  Yes,  but  I  want  you  to  forgive  me  first,  if  you  think  I  have 
been  too  much  absorbed  with  Pauline." 

"  My  sweet  wife,  you  have  never  offended  me.  It  is  1  who 
ought  to  ask  forgiveness  for  making  you  weep.  Perhaps  you  will 
think  me  selfish ;  but  I  want  you  to  promise  to  ride  with  me  every 
day  when  I  can  be  at  liberty,  and  to  leave  Pauline  with  mother, 


28  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

or  with  Ann.  When  I  am  not  at  liberty,  Caesar  will  take  the 
large  carriage  and  drive  you  all,  Miss  Lenox  junior  among  the  rest. 
Will  you  promise  this  ?  " 

"  With  great  pleasure ;  but  why  not  take  her  with  us ;  she 
would  be  quiet  ?  " 

"  Because,  I  want  to  take  you  to  visit  my  poor  patients.  I 
have  laid  out  a  great  work  for  you,  Cora,  and  if  I  do  not  mistake, 
you  will  love  it.  Then  it  will  be  a  good  discipline  for  Pauline,  to 
have  you  leave  her  occasionally.  By  the  way,  have  you  settled 
the  question  with  her  who  shall  be  mistress  ?  " 

I  looked  at  him  in  wonder.  "  I  have  noticed  several  times," 
said  he  pleasantly,  "  when  your  wishes  and  hers  were  at  variance, 
that  you  yielded  to  her,  instead  of  insisting  that  she  should  yield 
to  you.  Now,  my  dear  Cora,  as  we  have  taken  this  child,  we  are 
responsible  to  God  for  her  proper  government  and  education. 
She  is  not  a  mere  plaything  which  can  be  thrown  aside  at  plea 
sure.  She  has  a  soul  to  be  fitted  for  happiness  or  misery.  Have 
you  thought  of  this?  Have  you  counted  the  cost,  the  care,  and 
effort,  and  patience  which  all  this  requires  ?  " 

"  Yes,  Frank,  and  I  have  prayed  for  wisdom  to  guide  me.  I 
know  well  I  am  not  fitted  for  such  a  charge." 

"  Then,  dear  wife,  I  have  no  more  to  say.  I  will  do  anything 
to  cooperate  with  you  ;  and  if  you  enter  upon  it  with  such  a  spirit 
you  will  have  both  Divine  help  and  reward." 

I  thank  God,  dear  mother,  for  such  a  kind  husband ;  so  faithful 
to  point  out  my  faults,  and  so  ready  to  help  me  overcome  them. 
He  feared  I  did  not  realize  the  care  and  responsibility  of  the 
work  I  had  undertaken.  I  intend  at  once  to  commence  a  course 
of  reading  on  education.  Heretofore  I  have  thought  little  upon 
the  subject ;  only  that  children  should  be  taught  to  be  obedient, 
truthful  and  affectionate.  Now  I  understand  why  Frank  wished 
me  to  allow  Ann  to  put  Pauline  to  bed.  The  child  cried  every 
time  I  left  her,  and  would  only  be  satisfied  with  my  waiting  upon 
her  in  person.  I  had  in  two  or  three  instances  yielded  to  her  for 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF    A    PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  29 

the  sake  of  peace,  without  realizing  that  the  principle  was  wrong, 
or  that  she  was  forming  a  bad  habit.  Frank  saw  she  grew  more 
and  more  imperative  in  her  demands  and  hence  thought  it  neces 
sary  to  speak  to  me  of  the  exposure. 

I  believe  I  have  not  given  you  an  account  of  our  ride  to 
Waverley.  We  were  about  a  mile  on  our  way,  when,  whom 
should  we  meet  but  the  very  Mr.  Benson  on  horse-back,  and 
going  to  the  cottage.  I  whispered  to  Emily  that  we  could  easily 
return  and  leave  her  at  home  while  we  continued  our  ride.  But 
to  this  she  would  by  no  means  consent,  and  turned  indifferently  to 
the  window  the  opposite  side  of  the  carriage,  where  she  was  in 
tently  occupied  with  the  prospect,  which  in  that  place  consisted  of 
a  fine  growth  of  forest  trees. 

Mr.  Benson  addressed  some  words  to  me,  and  then  rode  round 
to  ascertain  what  was  so  charming  in  the  opposite  view.  I  really 
pitied  the  poor  man,  for  Emily  was  almost  rude  to  him.  I  don't 
yet  understand  them ;  but  I  think  I  can  see  that  he  is  a  little 
wanting  in  tact,  and  does  not  quite  understand  all  the  crooks  and 
turns  in  a  woman's  heart. 

Frank  very  politely  invited  Mr.  Benson  to  accompany  us,  who 
said  it  would  give  him  pleasure  to  do  so,  if  agreeable  to  our  com 
pany.  He  looked  at  Emily ;  but  she  deigned  no  reply,  appearing 
wholly  engaged  in  a  frolic  with  Pauline. 

I  began  at  once  to  be  very  polite,  determined  to  do  my  part 
toward  making  amends  for  Emily's  indifference,  which  I  saw 
pained  him.  It  is  difficult  conversing  from  a  carriage  with  a 
gentleman  on  horse-back  ;  but  as  we  rode  slowly,  I  endeavored  to 
be  very  interesting,  until  after  a  time  the  young  clergyman,  per 
ceiving  he  had  no  attention  from  the  object  of  his  special  regard, 
resumed  his  place  at  my  side. 

I  really  like  Mr.  Benson,  and  should  be  glad  of  him  for  a 
brother.  I  cannot  help  thinking  sister  likes  him  too  ;  when  he  is 
not  talking  with  her  ;  for  I  noticed  she  kept  Pauline  very  quiet  and 
listened  with  interest  to  our  conversation.  When  we  returned 

3* 


80  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR. 

home,  I  earnestly  invited  the  gentleman  to  remain  and  take  tea 
with  us,  and  had  to  bite  my  lips  to  keep  from  laughing  to  see 
Emily's  amazement  at  the  turn  affairs  "had  taken. 

The  suitor,  after  looking  very  much  embarrassed,  as  if  expect 
ing  an  invitation  from  another,  accepted  mine,  and  we  entered 
the  house.  Mother  stood  quietly  by.  I  suppose  she  is  determined 
to  leave  Emily  to  act  for  herself.  When  he  consented  to  remain, 
she  said,  "  now  you  will  excuse  us  ; "  but  I  insisted  they  should 
fulfil  their  engagement  to  tea,  when,  at  least,  one  of  the  company 
became  decidedly  more  cheerful.  "  I  wish  he  would  'nt  speak  to 
Emily  again  this  evening,"  was  my  thought,  as  he  continually  tried 
to  engage  her  in  conversation. 

Notwithstanding  all  my  efforts,  the  evening  passed  away  slowly  ; 
the  Doctor  having  been  called  out  soon  after  tea.  The  occasion 
ended  sadly  for  the  poor  suitor,  who,  toward  the  close  of  it,  re 
quested  a  few  moments'  conversation  with  Emily.  In  this  inter 
view,  she  decidedly  refused  him,  and  then  cried  all  night  after 
it. 

Foolish  girl !  But  I  persuaded  her  to  unburthen  her  heart  to 
me.  She  confessed,  she  did  not  know  whether  she  loved  Mr. 
Benson  or  not.  Many  traits  in  his  character  she  admired ;  but 
others  suggested  serious  objections.  The  latter,  however,  I  could 
not  induce  her  to  name,  and  indeed,  I  doubt  whether  she  had  her 
self  any  distinct  idea  of  them. 

After  a  pause,  during  which  I  tried  in  vain  to  think  of  some 
thing  which  would  comfort  her,  she  looked  at  me  earnestly  and 
said,  "  Cora,  tell  me  truly,  don't  you  think  he  's  rather  soft?"  "I 
think,"  I  replied,  trying  to  conceal  my  mirth,  "  that  he  has  a  very 
strong  affection  for  you ;  and  that  sometimes  it  would  be  more 
pleasing  to  a  delicate,  modest  girl,  if  he  did  not  exhibit  it  so  open- 

"  That  is  exactly  my  feeling,  but  I  could  n't  express  it.  Yet 
what  is  the  use  of  talking  ? "  she  asked,  with  a  profound  sigh ; 
"  the  question  is  settled,  and  there  the  matter  rests." 


CHAPTER   IV. 

'From  the  light  ills  of  infant  age. 
Up  to  the  plague's  destructive  rage, 
Pains  come  and  go  at  thy  command, 
True  to  the  sceptre  of  thy  hand."        EAST. 

Thursday,  June  \\th. 

WHEN  the  Doctor  left  for  his  morning  duties,  he  said,  "  Please 
bear  in  mind,  Cora,  that  you  have  engaged  yourself  to  me  for 
the  afternoon." 

"  For  life,  I  understood  it,"  said  I,  trying  to  speak  gravely. 

He  was  much  pleased,  and  turned  back  to  give  me  another  em 
brace,  and  whispered,  "  my  darling,"  in  such  a  loving  tone,  that 
my  heart  felt  very  warm  all  the  forenoon. 

I  wish  I  could  describe  to  you  the  view  from  my  window.  It 
rained  all  night,  and  this  morning  was  very  foggy ;  but  now  the 
sun  is  beginning  to  dispel  the  mist;  and  the  mountain  —  oh,  it  is 
beautiful !  I  keep  stopping  to  look,  and  to  inhale  the  balmy  air. 
Now  I  can  see  the  summit  quite  distinctly ;  the  sun  is  shining 
upon  it,  while  the  fleecy  clouds  roll  off  and  settle  on  the  lake, 
from  which  they  arise  in  thick  mist. 

Before  we  left  our  room  this  morning,  Frank  gave  me  a  subject 
for  thought  which  rather  troubles  me  ;  but  I  think  I  know  what 
you  and  dear  father  would  advise  ;  I  know  also  what  is  right ;  but 
courage,  courage  is  wanting.  We  are  constantly  liable  to  be  inter 
rupted  while  engaged  in  family  devotions  ;  or  Frank  is  away  at  the 
regular  time.  He  asked,  this  morning,  as  a  great  favor  to  himself, 


82  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

that  I  would,  in  such  cases,  call  the  family  together  and  read 
prayers. 

I  started  at  the  proposition,  and  was  about  to  say,  "  I  cannot," 
when  he  said,  "  do  not  decide  hastily.  Think  upon  the  subject, 
and  tell  me  to-morrow."  After  a  pause,  he  continued,  "  the  time 
of  a  physician  is  not  at  his  own  command.  I  may  be  called  away 
day  after  day  ;  and  our  family  services  lose  half  their  interest  and 
profit  through  the  want  of  regularity." 

"  How  was  it  before  I  came  ?  " 

"  Mother  always  conducted  the  service  in  my  absence." 

My  mind  was  in  a  perfect  tumult.  At  breakfast  I  thought  I 
had  found  a  good  excuse  ;  at  least,  it  then  appeared  so  to  me ;  and 
I  tried  to  be  cheerful  and  to  dismiss  the  subject.  After  prayers,  as 
my  husband  was  leaving  the  room,  I  detained  him ;  "  Frank,"  I 
asked,  "  don't  you  think  I  'm  too  young  ? —  Csesar,  Phebe  and  Ann 
are  so  much  older  than  I  am.  Does  it  appear  to  you  quite 
proper  ?  " 

"  Well,"  said  he,  coming  back  and  shutting  the  door,  "  I  didn't 
think  of  it  in  that  light.  You  are  rather  young,  to  be  sure ;  only 
eighteen  the  fourth  day  of  February."  I  was  surprised  that  he 
remembered  the  exact  day.  "  How  soon  do  you  think  you  will  be 
at  the  proper  age  ?  " 

I  had  thought,  when  he  commenced,  that  he  certainly  considered 
this  a  valid  excuse  ;  but  the  moment  he  asked  that  question,  though 
there  was  not  the  slightest  touch  of  irony  in  his  tone,  yet  I  fell 
mortified  in  the  extreme,  and  the  blood  rushed  to  my  very  fore 
head.  I  turned  quickly  away,  as  Emily  entered  the  room. 

And  now  what  can  I  do  ?  My  heart  almost  stands  still  at  the 
bare  thought  of  it ;  /,  who  have  never  audibly  lifted  up  my  voice 
in  prayer  to  God,  save  only  in  the  presence  of  my  little  Pauline. 
1  cannot  do  it ;  and  I  think  my  husband  almost  hard  to  ask  it  of 
me.  He  is  always  so  calm  and  self-possessed,  he  little  knows  how 
my  heart  throbs. 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  33 

Noon. 

As  Frank  has  not  returned,  I  will  add  a  few  lines.  I  have 
taken  Pauline  for  a  walk  through  the  garden,  and  made  a  call 
upon  mother  and  sister.  How  we  all  laughed  when  the  little 
thing  lisped  "  grandmamma,"  in  obedience  to  my  wish.  Before 
we  came  out,  mother  remarked  that  I  looked  quite  pale.  I  longed 
to  ask  her  advice,  but  conscience  whispered,  "  you  already  know 
your  duty ; "  and  I  concluded  to  say  nothing  about  my  trouble. 
"  Emily,"  I  replied,  "  can  sympathize  with  me ;  she  is  looking 
very  unwell." 

As  I  spoke,  her  face  and  neck  were  covered  with  a  burning 
blush.  "  Emily  is  not  well,"  said  mother  gravely  ;  "  She  scarcely 
eats  at  all." 

"  O,  mother  ! "  exclaimed  Emily,  "  I  'm  well  enough,  only  a 
head  ache,"  and  she  went  to  the  closet  to  get  seed  cakes  for  Pau 
line. 

As  I  returned  home  through  the  kitchen  garden,  to  give  the 
child  a  longer  walk,  I  heard  Phebe,  who  stood  at  the  back  door, 
call  to  Cassar. 

"  Look  dere  now !  see  de  young  Missus.  It's  enough  to  do 
your  old  curly  pate  powerful  sight  o'  good  just  to  see  her  a  leading 
dis  yer  baby." 

Evening. 

I  obtained  permission  from  mother  this  morning  to  leave  Pau 
line  with  her,  while  I  rode  with  Frank.  When  the  time  arrived, 
Ann  put  on  her  bonnet,  and  then  it  was  very  easy  to  induce  Miss 
to  have  hers  put  on  for  a  walk  to  grandmamma's. 

It  has  been  a  delightful  day  after  the  rain  ;  and  if  my  heart  had 
been  at  rest,  I  should  have  enjoyed  the  ride.  I  imagined  my  looks 
troubled  Frank  a  little,  for  he  said  he  had  intended  taking  me 
with  him  to  visit  one  or  two  families  in  the  outskirts  of  the  town  ; 
but  if  I  did  not  feel  inclined,  he  would  postpone  it  until  another 
day.  I  assured  him  my  health  was  perfectly  good,  and  I  had 
anticipated  the  calls  with  much  pleasure.  So  we  rode  on  through 


34  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

the  village,  he  being  more  than  usually  social  and  interesting,  and 
giving  me  no  time  to  think  of  myself  until  we  came  to  the  bordei 
of  the  town,  near  the  lake  I  have  mentioned. 

Here  stood  a  number  of  small  cottages,  one  story  in  height, 
with  the  grounds  about  them  enclosed  with  low  fences.  I  noticed 
one  of  these  bore  marks  of  more  taste  and  refinement  than  the 
others.  It  had  a  pleasant  little  patch  of  flowers  along  the  side  of 
the  beaten  path  to  the  entrance,  while  a  beautiful  rose  bush  was 
trained  upon  a  trellis  by  the  side  of  the  door,  which  run  upon  the 
house  nearly  to  the  roof,  and  furnished  a  complete  shade  to  one  of 
the  windows. 

This  was  the  home  of  the  Doctor's  patient,  and  I  followed  him 
to  the  door,  which  stood  hospitably  open.  A  light  knock  brought 
a  modest  woman  to  the  entrance,  who,  in  her  tabby  muslin  cap, 
and  her  clean  checked  apron,  appeared  very  neatly.  She  courte- 
sied  as  the  Doctor  introduced  me,  and  invited  us  to  walk  in.  The 
patient  is  a  young  girl  in  her  sixteenth  year,  who  is  gradually 
wasting  away  with  consumption.  Never  shall  I  forget  the  brigltf 
expression  of  love  and  respect  which  beautified  her  countenance^ 
as  Frank  took  her  hand,  and  tenderly  inquired  how  she  had  passed 
the  night.  "  I  have  brought  you  another  friend,"  he  added ;  "  one 
I  am  sure  you  will  love.  I  think  I  can  safely  promise  she  will  be 
happy  to  do  anything  for  your  comfort."  This  promise  I  cheer 
fully  confirmed. 

Hers  is  a  case  requiring  little  medicine.  Her  sufferings  are 
comparatively  slight,  except  from  exhausting  fits  of  coughing. 
She  appears  to  be  passing  gently  away.  The  bright  color  which 
burned  in  her  cheek  had  now  faded,  leaving  her  face  perfectly 
colorless.  The  only  relief  to  the  marble  whiteness  was  the  long 
black  lashes  which  lay  upon  her  cheek  when  she  closed  her  eyes. 
Propped  up  in  her  bed  by  pillows,  she  looked  with  her  whole  soul 
at  the  Doctor,  who  sat  at  her  side,  speaking  to  her  of  God's  rich 
mercy.  She  assented  to  what  he  said  by  a  slight  inclination  of  the 
head,  and  sometimes  repeated  after  him  part  of  the  verse  of 


OH,   REVELATIONS   OP  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  35 

Scripture,  he  quoted,  as  if  to  impress  it  upon  her  own  mind.  But 
I  could  see  plainly  that  she  was  under  restraint  by  the  presence 
of  a  stranger. 

When  he  arose,  she  held  out  her  hand  and  whispered,  "  will 
you  please  to  pray  with  me  ?  "  Frank  immediately  reseated  him 
self,  and  taking  a  little  pocket  Bible  from  his  coat,  read  a  few 
verses  from  the  fourteenth  chapter  of  John  ;  and  then  prayed.  I 
felt  borne  on  wings  of  faith  to  heaven  as  my  dear  husband 
praised  God  for  the  love  which  had  sent  the  Saviour  into  the  world, 
that'  we  might  have  pardon  and  eternal  life ;  that  we  might  be 
elevated  to  seats  at  his  right  hand  in  heaven,  and  be  joint  heirs 
with  Christ  to  immortal  glory  and  honor.  He  besought  Jesus  to 
bless  and  comfort  with  his  Divine  presence,  the  dear  child  who 
was  approaching  the  dark  valley ;  to  give  her  the  victory  over  sin 
and  death,  and  to  receive  her  through  faith  in  him  into  the  king 
dom  of  heaven,  where  her  eternity  might  be  spent  in  singing 
"  Worthy  the  Lamb  that  was  slain." 

As  I  approached  the  bed  to  bid  her  farewell,  I  was  struck 
dumb,  with  the  heavenly  smile  of  peace  and  joy  which  shone  in 
every  feature.  Surely,  thought  I,  she  has  the  seal  upon  her  fore 
head  ;  she  already  breathes  the  air  of  heaven.  I  lifted  her  thin 
white  hand  to  my  lips,  and  bowed  my  head  in  silence ;  I  dared 
not  trust  my  voice  to  speak. 

The  Doctor  called  Mrs.  Leighton  aside  and  gave  her  a  few 
simple  directions  before  we  left.  He  conducted  me  silently  to  the 
carriage,  turned  the  horse  down  a  shady  lane  toward  the  water, 
and  drew  me  to  him  until  I  could  lay  my  head  upon  his  shoulder, 
when  my  excited  feelings  found  relief  in  tears. 

When  I  had  become  more  composed,  Frank  asked, "  Is  she  not 
to  be  envied  ?  " 

"  Oh,  yes  !  yes  !  "  I  replied,  "  Would,  I  could  feel  the  assurance 
of  faith  and  love,  which  lit  up  her  face  like  that  of  an  angel !  " 

He  then,  at  my  request,  told  me  something  of  her  history.     Her 


36  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Leighton,  are  respectable,  pious  people,  who 
have  been  deeply  afflicted  by  the  loss  of  two  daughters  and  one  son  by 
the  same  disease  which  is  now  wasting  the  frame  of  their  only  sur 
viving  child.  Naturally  amiable  and  intelligent  she  has  been  too 
much  indulged  by  her  fond  parents,  who  cling  to  her  "as  their  last 
and  best  beloved. 

So  insidious  was  her  disease,  that,  when  summoned  to  her  sick 
bed,  Fz-ank  found  no  skill  could  save  her.  He  therefore  endeavored 
to  direct  her  to  the  great  Physician,  to  cure  the  disease  of  her  soul. 

"  What  was  the  state  of  her  mind  at  that  time  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  Very  rebellious.  She  was  unwilling  to  hear  a  word  of  dis 
couragement,  and  talked  constantly  of  pleasures  and  parties,  in 
which  her  mother  had  allowed  her  to  mingle.  She  was  a  very 
handsome  girl,  lively  and  agreeable  in  conversation,  and  had  ex 
cited  unusual  attention  for  one  so  young." 

"  How  soon  did  she  become  reconciled  to  death  ?  She  seems 
now  to  look  forward  to  it,  as  the  consummation  of  her  hopes  and 

j°vs-" 

"  Not  for  many  months  ;  but  she  will  give  you  an  account  of 
the  change  in  her  feelings.  I  hope  you  will  soon  see  her  again  ; 
she  has  not  long  to  stay  with  us." 

As  we  passed  the  house  on  our  return,  we  noticed  Mrs.  Leigh- 
ton  at  the  door  watching  for  us.  Frank,  thinking  she  wished  to 
call  him,  sprang  from  the  carriage.  But  she  only  put  into  his 
hand  a  little  bouquet,  saying  in  a  suppressed  voice,  "  Caroline,"  at 
the  same  time  waving  her  hand  that  it  was  intended  for  me.  I 
was  very  much  affected  at  the  simple  gift,  and  sent  my  thanks  to 
the  sweet  girl.  There  was  exquisite  taste  in  the  selection  —  a 
moss  rose  bud  —  a  white  rose  half  blown,  with  dark  green  myrtle 
leaves,  —  and  a  sprig  of  mignonette. 

"  It  must  have  been  hard  for  her,"  I  said,  "  to  give  up  this 
beautiful  earth,  she  is  so  fond  of  flowers  and  everything  tasteful." 

"All !  but  she  gains  heaven,"  was  Frank's  reply.     This  gug- 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIPE.  37 

gested  to  me  the  following  lines  from  a  favorite  poet,  which  1  re 
peated  to  my  husband. 

"  Once  when  I  look'd  along  the  laughing  earth, 
Up  the  blue  heavens,  and  through  the  middle  air, 
Joyfully  ringing  with  the  sky-lark's  song, 
I  wept,  and  thought  how  sad  for  one  so  young, 
To  bid  farewell  to  so  much  happiness. 
But  Christ  doth  call  me  from  this  lower  world; 
Delightful  though  it  be." 

We  next  stopped  at  a  house  of  moderate  size,  in  which  the 
Doctor  told  me,  four  families  found  their  home.  Having  tied  the 
horse  by  the  little  gate,  we  entered  a  room  on  the  right,  where  a 
poor  man  lay  on  a  bench,  or,  as  I  afterwards  saw,  a  long  chest, 
upon  which  some  quilts  had  been  spread  to  make  it  soft.  The 
chest  was  pushed  to  the  corner  of  the  room,  so  that,  with  pillows 
behind  him,  the  invalid  could  sit  almost  upright. 

Watching  by  his  side  was  a  very  pretty  woman,  who,  from  her 
dialect,  I  perceived  was  Welsh.  Near  her  was  a  small  boy  of 
about  three  years  of  age,  sitting  on  a  low  cricket ;  Avhile  in  a 
shed,  opening  directly  out  of  the  room,  there  stood  a  young  girl  of 
eleven,  washing. 

After  putting  two  chairs  near  her  husband,  Mrs.  Lewis  resumed 
her  seat  and  her  sewing,  as  it  was  only  by  her  industry,  the  family 
were  supported. 

Frank  inquired  particularly  about  the  symptoms  of  his  patient, 
and  prescribed  for  his  relief.  He  then  said,  "  I  have  brought  my 
wife,  as  I  promised  to  introduce  her  to  you."  Here  Mr.  Lewis 
put  out  his  emaciated  hand,  and  expressed  pleasure  at  seeing  me. 
Frank  continued,  "  Mrs.  Lenox  will  come  and  read  to  you,  if  you 
wish,  while  your  wife  is  busy." 

The  sick  man  regarded  me  with  a  look  of  gratitude,  while  his 
wife  replied,  "  I  am  sure  t'would  be  a  great  comfort  to  us  both,  to 
hear  a  bit  of  the  Word.  My  man,"  she  continued,  "  is  not  able  to 

4 


38  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

read ;  it  makes  his  eyes  ache  badly.  I  have  so  little  time,  I  can 
only  repeat  a  verse  now  and  then,  to  give  us  something  to  think 
of." 

The  Doctor  asked  Mr.  Lewis  if  he  had  enjoyed  more  peace  of 
mind  since  his  last  visit. 

"  Sometimes,"  he  replied  in  a  whisper,  "  I  can  feel  willing  to 
trust  myself  in  the  hands  of  God ;  but  again  all  is  dark,  and  I 
can't  come  nigh  to  him.  He  appears  a  great  way  off,  and  I  seem 
to  be  praying  into  the  air."  As  he  closed,  his  breast  heaved  a 
deep  sigh. 

I  became  so  much  interested  in  him ;  and  he  so  exactly  described 
my  own  feelings,  at  times,  that  I  forgot  any  one  else  was  present, 
and  said,  "  Oh,  sir !  I  have  often  felt  so ;  and  the  only  way  I  can 
do,  is  to  keep  praying,  until  God  reveals  himself  to  me.  He  does 
hear,  and  he  will  answer  if  we  keep  asking,  and  if  he  sees  we 
are  in  earnest." 

I  stopped  suddenly,  in  great  embarrassment,  when  Frank  im 
mediately  added.  "  This  is  the  case  with  most  Christians.  Some 
times  while  we  are  yet  speaking  God  hears,  and  grants  an  answer 
of  peace.  Again  he  delays,  to  try  our  faith  and  patience." 

"  But  the  prayers  of  the  wicked  are  an  abomination,"  said  Mr. 
Lewis  feebly.  "  I  can't  feel  sure  that  he  has  accepted  me." 

"  Has  his  promise  ever  failed  ?  "  inquired  the  Doctor.  He 
says,  '  call  upon  me  and  I  will  answer ;  knock  and  it  shall  be 
opened.' " 

The  poor  man  put  his  hand  to  his  breast,  as  if  in  great  pain. 
Frank  feared  lest  we  were  prolonging  the  interview  beyond  his 
strength,  and  rose  to  leave. 

"  Surely  you  won't  go  without  praying  for  me,"  said  Mr. 
Lewis. 

"If  you  feel  able  to  attend,  I  will  do  so  with  pleasure,"  replied 
the  Doctor.  I  was  very  much  affected  to  sec  the  sick  man  rise 
feebly,  and  kneel  during  prayer.  He  wept  much,  and  when  we 
arose  he  was  so  exhausted  by  his  emotion,  the  Doctor  and  his 


OK,  REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  39 

wife  were  obliged  to  raise  him  to  his  feet.  But  when  he  had 
taken  some  drink,  he  became  more  composed,  and  said,  "  Thank 
you."  "  Come  soon,"  he  said  to  me,  with  a  smile. 

Mrs.  Lewis  followed  us  to  the  door,  where  Frank  put  into  her 
hand  a  bank  bill ;  and  in  addition,  requested  her  to  send  to  our 
house  in  the  morning  for  some  chicken  broth  of  which  he  wished 
her  husband  to  partake  freely.  Her  eyes  filled  with  tears,  and 
she  could  only  look  her  thanks. 

It  was  now  becoming  late,  and  we  returned  home.  I  cannot  help 
thinking  how  much  good  a  pious  physician  has  it  in  his  power  to 
do.  He  gains  the  aifections  of  his  patients  ;  and  they  will  listen 
to  religious  conversation  which  they  would  not  hear  from  a  stran 
ger.  Frank  cares  for  their  souls  as  well  as  their  bodies,  especially 
as  the  one  commonly  affects  the  other. 


CHAPTER    V. 

"  Wretch  that  I  am,  what  hopes  for  me  remain, 
Who  cannot  cease  to  love,  yet  love  in  vain? "        CowrER. 

Sabbath  morning,  June  l&th. 

DEAR  MOTHER,  —  I  must  write  you  a  few  lines  to  tell  you  how 
happy  I  am.  Yesterday,  you  remember,  I  was  to  decide  whether 
I  would  conduct  the  family  devotions  when  Frank  is  absent.  My 
mind  was  so  much  occupied  during  the  afternoon,  I  hardly  thought 
of  it ;  but  in  the  evening,  I  retired  to  my  closet,  determined  to 
ask  for  strength  from  one  who  is  ever  ready  to  help  the  weak  in 
the  performance  of  duty. 

When  I  arose  from  my  knees,  my  fear  was  all  dispelled.  It 
appeared  almost  like  a  privilege  to  do  what  I  had  so  much  dreaded. 
While  I  was  yet  speaking,  God  answered. 

This  morning,  when  I  was  dressing  my  little  daughter,  an  em 
ployment  in  which  I  delight,  Frank  came  in  and  inquired,  "  Have 
you  thought  upon  the  subject  1  proposed  yesterday  ?  " 

"Yes,"  was  my  reply. 

"And  what  have  you  decided  ?  " 

"I  will,  at  least,  attempt  the  duty."  My  hand  trembled  so 
much,  I  could  scarcely  button  Pauline's  dress  ;  but  I  think  he  did 
not  notice  it,  for  he  walked  quickly  out  of  the  room.  I  was  tak 
ing  her  to  Ann  for  her  breakfast,  when  he  returned,  and  with  such 
evident  marks  of  strong  feeling  on  his  countenance,  I  looked  at 
him  anxiously. 

He  took  my  hand,  and  pressed  it  to  his  lips,  saying,  "  Will  you 
soon  return  to  your  boudoir  ?  "  I  rang  for  Ann,  and  then  followed 
him.  He  clasped  me  in  his  arms,  as  he  exclaimed,  "  my  own 


REVELATIONS   OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIPE.  41 

Cora,  you  were  never  before  so  dear  to  me.  You  little  know 
what  a  struggle  it  has  cost  me  to  see  the  conflict  in  your  mind, 
and  neither  say  or  do  anything  for  your  relief.  I  have  blamed 
myself  severely  for  expecting  so  much  of  you,  my  dear  child. 
Many  times  yesterday  I  was  on  the  point  of  withdrawing  my  re 
quest  ;  but  I  hesitated.  I  felt  sure  you  would  decide  aright,  and 
that  I  should  rest  satisfied  with  your  decision.  It  is  not  the  first 
time  you  have  set  me  an  example.  When  I  heard  your  decision, 
I  considered  it  a  great  triumph  of  duty  over  inclination." 

"  But  you  do  not  know  all  the  naughty  thoughts  I  had,"  said  I, 
raising  my  eyes  for  the  first  time.  "  I  even  wished,"  — 

"  My  own  wife,"  said  Frank,  pressing  me  to  his  heart !  —  "  And 
have  all  these  hard  thoughts  of  your  husband  gone  ?  Did  you 
wish,"  he  asked,  turning  my  face  to  his,  "  that  you  had  never  left 
home  to  live  with  such  an  exacting  man  ?  " 

"  Oh,  Frank  !  I  never  wished  so ;  I  did  not  say  that.  How 
could  I  be  happy  as  I  am,  if  I  felt  thus  ?  I  wished  something 
worse  ;  which  I  had  rather  not  tell." 

"  You  had  better  make  a  clean  breast  of  it,"  said  he,  smiling. 

"  I  wished,"  said  I  in  a  low  tone,  "  that  you  were  not  quite  so 
good ;  and  then  you  would  not  expect  so  much  of  me." 

Frank  looked  very  much  amused.  "  That 's  the  last  thing  in 
the  world,  I  expected  my  wife  to  complain  of.  But  seriously, 
Cora,  I  have  learned  many  a  lesson  from  you.  One  of  your 
looks  of  wonder,  a  3rear  since,  upset  my  favorite  theory,  and  in  the 
end  secured  to  me  the  most  precious  wife  in  the  world." 

Monday,  June  15th. 

Poor  Emily  !  I  wonder  if  she  knew  Mr.  Benson  was  to  ex 
change  with  Mr.  Munroe,  yesterday.  If  so,  she  did  not,  speak  of 
it.  I  never  saw  a  man  so  changed ;  he  looked  as  if  he  had  had 
a  severe  fit  of  sickness. 

"  He  withers  at  his  heart,  and  looks  as  wan 
As  the  pale  spectre  of  a  murder' d  man." 


42  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

But  his  sermon  was  really  sublime,  and  lifted  me  above  myself. 
The  text  was  the  last  verse  of  the  forty-second  Psalm :  "  Why 
art  thou  cast  down,  0  my  soul  ?  and  why  art  thou  disquieted  with 
in  me  ?  hope  thou  in  God :  for  I  shall  yet  praise  him,  who  is  the 
health  of  my  countenance,  and  my  God." 

Trust  in  God,  was  his  subject.  Amid  all  the  trials  and  vicissi 
tudes  of  life,  trust  in  God  is  the  only  sure  source  of  happiness  for 
the  Christian.  Trust  him  to  bring  good  out  of  seeming  ill ;  to 
make  these  very  trials  "  work  out  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and 
eternal  weight  of  glory."  If  he  withdraws  the  light  of  his 
countenance ;  if  our  beloved  friends  sicken  and  die  before  our  eyes  ; 
if  our  worldly  estate  takes  to  itself  wings  and  flies  away ;  if  our 
fondest  hopes  are  suddenly  dashed  to  the  ground ;  if  we  are  ever 
left  to  call  out  in  agony  of  spirit,  "  Why  art  thou  cast  down,  O 
my  soul  ?  and  why  art  thou  disquieted  within  me  ?  "  we  may,  by 
Divine  grace,  also  exclaim,  "  hope  thou  in  God,  for  I  shall  yet 
praise  him,  who  is  the  health  of  my  countenance,  and  my  God." 

In  the  pale  countenance  of  the  speaker,  I  could  read  the  strug 
gle,  and  the  victory.  I  was  actually  startled  at  Emily's  looks,  as 
we  turned  to  come  out  of  the  pew.  She  caught  my  hand  to  save 
herself  from  falling ;  and  from  the  motion  of  her  lips  I  understood 
her  to  say,  "faint"  though  no  articulate  sound  came  forth. 

I  whispered,  "  Dear  Emily !  lean  upon  me  ;  don't  faint  here  ; 
try  to  arouse  yourself." 

Never  was  I  more  thankful  than  when  we  reached  the  carriage 
and  had  assisted  the  poor  girl  into  it,  without  attracting  notice. 
There  was  not  a  particle  of  color  in  her  face  or  lips.  I  drew  off 
her  gloves,  and  chafed  her  hands,  while  mother  loosed  her  bonnet 
strings,  and  applied  the  smelling  drops  to  her  nose. 

With  a  deep  sigh  she  recovered  her  consciousness,  and  was 
ashamed  and  mortified  that  her  feelings  should  have  been  be 
trayed  even  to  her  loving  friends.  She  tried  to  conceal  them 
with  the  flimsy  excuse,  that  she  arose  in  the  morning  with  a  head 
ache,  and  the  heat  of  the  house  had  overcome  her. 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  43 

I  wonder  if  Emily  thinks,  she  really  deceives  us,  or  is  she  de 
ceiving  herself?  In  the  afternoon,  she  declared  that  she  was 
fully  able  to  go  to  church ;  and  when,  at  the  last  moment,  she  was 
forced  to  acknowledge  herself  sick,  and  mother  was  removing  her 
own  bonnet  to  remain  with  her,  she  insisted  that  she  had  rather 
be  left  alone,  and  mother  very  reluctantly  left  her. 

"  Poor  girl !  "  I  exclaimed,  as  mother  related  the  circumstance, 
"  my  heart  aches  for  her." 

"  I  never  saw  a  child  so  changed,"  said  mother  sadly ;  "  I  can 
not  but  think,  she  regrets  her  hasty  decision.  I  have  never  before 
known  her  to  be  irritable.  It  seems  to  annoy  her  exceedingly  to 
have  me  notice  her  languor  or  want  of  spirits.  Frank,"  she  con 
tinued,  "  I  wish  you  would  persuade  Emily  to  take  an  anodyne. 
I  think  the  want  of  sleep  is  partly  the  cause  of  her  head  ache." 
Frank  asked  if  she  would  be  likely  to  come  over  to  the  house  to 
tea ;  but  mother  could  not  tell ;  she  was  so  changeable  in  her 
feelings. 

I  could  not  help  thinking,  Mr.  Benson  noticed  sister's  absence, 
lie  looked  very  sad.  I  was  so  anxious  about  the  poor  girl,  that  I 
must  confess,  I  could  not  confine  my  thoughts  to  the  discourse. 
Frank,  too,  was  called  out ;  arid  mother  looked  pale  and  troubled. 
Altogether,  I  worked  myself  up  into  quite  a  fever  of  excitement ; 
and  was  glad  when  the  services  were  through. 

While  we  waited  a  moment  in  the  porch  for  Cassar  to  bring 
the  carriage  to  the  door,  Mr.  Benson  passed  down  from  the  pulpit 
and  came  out.  He  would  evidently  have  avoided  the  meeting,  if 
possible ;  but  mother  stepped  forward  with  much  kindness  and 
thanked  him  for  his  faithful  discourses.  He  unbent  at  once, 
and  inquired  for  my  health  and  that  of  the  family. 

I  told  him,  I  was  well,  but  quite  anxious  about  my  sister,  as  she 
had  a  severe  head-ache  which  detained  her  at  home.    What  could 
have  come  over  the  man  to  look  so  pleased  that  she  was  ill  ? 
Fearing  I  had  said  something  to  compromise  her  delicacy,  I 


44  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

added,  "  she  has  had  the  head-ache  for  several  days."  Now  I 
think  of  it,  I  only  made  it  worse.  He  spoke,  as  he  conducted  us 
to  the  carriage,  of  his  sorrow  at  the  intelligence,  while  he  looked 
perfectly  delighted. 

When  we  reached  home,  Phebe  met  us  at  the  door,  and  said 
"  Misse  Emily  here,  and  my  pinion  is  dere'  s  mighty  smart  chance 
for  her  to  have  a  fever  if  Mass'r  Frank  don't  doctor  her." 

As  we  entered  the  parlor,  sister  started  up,  and  looked  eagerly 
for  a  moment  as  if  expecting  some  one  with  us  ;  and  then  sank 
back  again  on  the  sofa  pillow,  evidently  disappointed.  Could  it 
be  that  she  thought  Mr.  Benson  would  return  with  us  ? 

Cassar  went  toward  the  village  to  meet  his  master,  and  soon 
returned  with  him.  The  Doctor  had  been  called  to  a  child  in  a 
fit  from  indigestion.  That  reminds  me  to  tell  you  that  in  ac 
cordance  with  his  wish,  I  have  restricted  Pauline's  diet  to  bread 
and  milk,  which  she  eats  heartily,  sitting  in  Ann's  lap. 

Emily's  sickness  touched  the  little  girl's  heart ;  I  held  her  in 
my  arms,  and  let  her  put  her  soft-hand  on  "  Aunty's  head  to 
make  it  better."  Frank  came  behind  and  put  his  on  too,  with 
the  tenderness  of  a  woman.  He  sat  down  by  her  side  and  held 
her  head  while  she  covered  her  eyes  as  if  she  feared,  he  would 
read  her  thoughts. 

"  Emily,"  said  he,  gently,  "  you  have  too  much  heat ;  I  fear 
you  and  Cora  have  lately  been  unduly  excited.  I  thought  yes 
terday,  she  was  going  beyond  her  strength ;  and  such  is  also  the 
case  with  you.  I  must  give  you  a  little  powder,  which,  I  hope, 
will  soon  afford  you  relief;  does  it  ache  less  when  I  hold  it  so  ?" 
he  asked,  as  he  pressed  the  throbbing  head  between  his  hands. 

"  Oh,  yes !  sometimes  it  feels  as  if  it  would  fly  to  pieces." 

"  Poor  girl !  how  it  throbs.  Cora,  will  you  hold  her  head 
while  I  prepare  something  for  her  ?  " 

He  soon  returned  with  a  wet  bandage,  which  he  bound  tightly 
around  her  head,  and  then  gave  her  ammonia.  I  had  finished 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIPE.  45 

my  tea  and  was  returning  through  the  hall,  when  Caesar  an 
swered  the  door  bell,  and  to  my  amazement  announced  "  Mr. 
Benson." 

In  my  confusion,  I  ushered  him  into  the  parlor  where  Emily 
lay  upon  the  sofa,  with  her  face  toward  the  wall.  I  hoped,  she 
was  asleep,  and  was  just  coming  to  my  senses,  and  intending  to 
invite  him  into  the  library,  when  he  asked,  "Is  she  then  so 
ill?" 

At  the  sound  of  his  voice,  Emily  sprang  upon  her  feet,  tore 
the  bandage  from  her  head,  while  the  light  actually  flashed  from 
her  eyes  at  what  she  fancied  an  intrusion.  But  perceiving  his 
ghastly  pallor,  she  sank  back  upon  her  seat,  saying,  "  Frank  has 
been  making  a  great  fuss  over  me,  as  if  I  were  sick."  Truly, 
one  would  never  have  thought  so  at  that  moment.  She  was  per 
fectly  brilliant  with  excitement.  The  fever  lit  up  her  cheeks, 
while  her  eyes  even  dazzled  my  sight. 

How  I  pitied  the  young  suitor !  He  stood  where  he  did  upon 
his  first  entrance,  with  his  hat  in  his  hand.  His  countenance 
changed  as  he  gazed  at  her  until  her  eyes  fell ;  then  with  an  air 
which  was  almost  haughty,  he  said  "  Farewell  I  FAREWELL,  FOR 
EVER  ! ! "  and  left  the  room. 

I  followed  him  silently  to  the  door,  my  heart  being  almost 
paralyzed.  He  stopped,  took  my  hand  in  both  of  his,  pressed  it 
warmly  and  said,  "  I  appreciate  your  kindness,  but  you  are  mis 
taken."  The  last  words  he  uttered  in  a  cold,  bitter  tone,  and  was 
gone. 

I  started  to  run  to  my  chamber,  but  remembering  my  poor, 
strange  sister,  I  turned  back  to  the  parlor,  where  I  found  her 
prostrate  upon  the  floor.  I  screamed,  "  Frank  !  mother ! "  and 
soon  the  whole  household  came  rushing  into  the  room.  The 
Doctor  dismissed  the  servants,  and  taking  Emily  in  his  arms 
carried  her  up  stairs  to  the  room,  she  formerly  occupied. 

It  was  some  time  before  she  revived.  When  she  perceived 
where  she  was,  her  woe-begone  look  penetrated  my  heart.  Poor 


46  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOR  ; 

mother  !  How  quietly  she  goes  about  everything  that  ought  to 
be  done,  with  an  expression  of  patient  suffering !  How  can 
Emily  make  herself  and  ail  of  us  so  unhappy !  She  lies  this 
morning  in  a  deep  sleep,  and,  I  hope,  will  awake  refreshed.  I 
have  been  sitting  by  her  while  mother  went  over  to  the  cottage 
on  some  business.  She  has  now  returned,  and  I  have  persuaded 
her  to  lie  down  on  the  couch  in  sister's  room.  She  was  so 
anxious,  she  scarcely  slept  at  all. 

Dear  Pauline,  what  a  comfort  she  is  to  me  !  She  is  the  most 
affectionate  little  creature  I  ever  saw,  and  has  already  woven  her 
self  closely  around  our  hearts.  Even  Frank  laughs  merrily  at 
her  cunning  ways. 

Phebe  wears  a  turban,  generally  made  of  a  bandanna  hand 
kerchief,  or  something  equally  bright.  Miss  thought,  she  too 
must  wear  one.  So  she  watched  her  opportunity  when  Ann  laid 
down  her  duster,  which  happened  to  be  an  old  silk  kerchief  of 
similar  colors  to  madam's  turban,  and  tried  to  weave  it  round  her 
head.  Ann  observed  her  unsuccessful  efforts  with  silent  amuse 
ment,  and  perceiving  that  when  one  side  was  arranged,  the  other 
came  tumbling  down,  offered  to  assist  her. 

Pauline  shouted  with  delight :  "  Mamma,  see  !  mamma,  see  ! !  " 
The  kind  hearted  girl  brought  the  child  to  me.  I  laughed  well 
at  her  grotesque  appearance.  Her  head  was  top-heavy  with  the 
turban,  while  the  dark  short  curls  peeping  out  here  and  there 
made  her  look  like  a  boy.  She  evidently  thought  it  a  good  joke, 
and  was  unwilling  to  have  it  taken  off.  You  see,  we  make  a 
great  pet  of  her;  but  since  I  began  to  manage  her  aright,  she 
obeys  instantly.  Sometimes  her  lip  quivers  a  little,  and  she 
looks  as  if  she  were  about  to  burst  into  a  hearty  cry  ;  and 
then,  with  a  sigh,  restrains  herself. 

Almost  every  morning,  from  eleven  till  two,  I  have  received 
calls ;  and  shall  have  business  enough  for  the  fall  and  winter  if 
they  continue.  Many  of  them  are  formal  and  ceremonious ; 
others,  I  suppose,  are  prompted  merely  by  curiosity  to  see  the 


OK,   REVELATIONS    OF   A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  47 

stranger.  I  find  the  report  of  my  three  years'  residence  in 
Paris  creates  quite  a  sensation.  People  look  at  me  as  if  I 
ought  to  be  something  more  than  Americans  who  have  never 
been  out  of  their  native  land,  and  appear  somewhat  disappointed 
to  see  in  me  nothing  more  than  a  simple,  frank  girl,  just  like 
their  daughters  or  sisters  at  home. 

A  few  have  called  whom  I  like  exceedingly ;  who  entered  into 
conversation  upon  subjects  profitable  and  interesting.  You,  my 
dear  mother,  have  spoiled  me  for  enjoying  the  society  of  persons 
who  cannot  talk,  except  of  individual  character  and  conduct ;  as 
for  instance:  "I  suppose,  your  husband  has  told  you  of  the 
trouble  in  Squire  Lee's  family.  He  attends  there,  I  believe." 

«  No,"  I  replied. 

"  Ah,  indeed !  "Well,  Lucy  has  had  to  break  her  engage 
ment  with  young  Mansfield  just  to  please  her  brother,  who 
is  no  better  •  than  he  should  be."  I  remained  silent  simply 
because  I  had  nothing  to  say,  and  was  glad  when  the  entrance 
of  other  company  put  a  stop  to  such  gossip. 

Of  the  more  select  class,  are  Mr.  Munroe,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Marshall,  Miss  Proctor,  —  Frank's  favorite,  —  and  I  must  not 
forget  Friend  Estes,  who  frankly  said,  "  I  came,  my  dear,  to  see 
thee  out  of  the  regard  I  have  for  thy  husband." 

I  rather  think,  she  was  well  enough  acquainted  with  human 
nature  to  know,  that  she  was  making  her  way  directly  to  my 
heart. 

"  How  is  Susan,  thy  mother  ? "  she  asked.  I  stopped  and 
hesitated  a  moment,  before  I  remembered  that  the  Friends 
always  use  the  first  name.  She  was  overflowing  with  love  and 
good-will  to  everybody ;  and  before  she  went  away  we  grew  so 
friendly,  that  she  kissed  me  twice  and  said,  "  I  must  bring  Jotham 
to  see  thee,  my  dear"  —  "  Cora,"  I  said,  seeing  she  hesitated  for 
the  name,  —  "  and  thou  wilt  come  with  thy  husband  for  a  visit  to 
our  house."  She  warmed  my  heart  finely  by  her  praise  of 
Frank. 


48  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR ; 

After  all,  there  are  a  great  many  pleasant  people  in  the  world. 
I  wish,  you  could  see  how  kindly  her  deep  blue  eyes  looked  out 
from  her  drab  poke  upon  your  Cora.  Your  heart  would  come 
across  the  water  to  meet  hers. 

The  more  I  see  and  hear  of  Miss  Proctor,  the  better  I  love 
and  esteem  her.  She  is  truly  a  "  Dorcas,"  in  whom  the  sick  and 
afflicted  always  find  a  friend  and  helper.  She  has  been 
an  efficient  aid  and  cooperator  with  Frank  in  his  gratuitous 
practice. 

Speaking  of  this  class,  I  must  relate  to  you  an  incident,  Emily 
told  me.  A  short  time  since,  when  Frank  had  fairly  established 
himself  in  his  profession,  and  had  collected  a  good  practice,  a 
young  physician  came  to  the  place,  rather  to  the  annoyance  of 
some  of  his  brethren  of  the  profession,  who  took  no  pains  to  call 
upon  him.  The  Doctor,  however,  embraced  the  first  opportunity 
to  visit  him  at  his  office,  to  which  there  was  little  more  than  a 
showy  sign,  announcing  to  the  public  that  "  Dr.  Clapp,  Physician 
and  Surgeon,  was  ready  to  extract  teeth  and  cut  off  legs  at  the 
shortest  notice,  and  for  the  lowest  price  imaginable." 

Frank  entered  into  conversation  with  this  young  son  of 
JEsculapius,  and  found,  he  was  well  learned  in  his  profession, 
and  had  high  recommendations  from  his  professors  as  to  his 
qualifications  for  his  office.  My  good  husband  encouraged  him 
to  persevere,  and  offered  to  recommend  him  wherever  it  was  in 
his  power. 

"  I  shall  never  be  displeased,"  he  added,  "  if  I  hear,  you  are 
taking  my  practice,  except  in  the  case  of  my  poor  patients. 
Most  of  these  have  grown  up  with  me,  and  I  flatter  myself,  I  am, 
with  them,  an  exception  to  the  general  rule,  '  a  prophet  is  not 
without  honor,  save  in  his  OAvn  country.' " 

The  sequel  to  this  visit  is  quite  romantic.  Dr.  Clapp,  who  is 
about  twenty-four  years  of  age,  walked  to  the  window,  where 
he  vigorously  plied  his  handkerchief,  as  if  afflicted  with  a 
sudden  cold.  After  this  operation  he  was  relieved,  and  came 


OK,   REVELATIOXS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S  WIFE.  49 

back  offering  his  hand  to  Frank.  He  said,  or  tried  to  say,  for 
his  voice  was  rather  husky,  "  Your  kindness,  Dr.  Lenox,  inspires 
me  with  new  life  and  courage.  I  am  yet  waiting  for  my  first 
patient."  Then,  encouraged  by  Frank's  kind  interest,  he  un- 
burthened  his  heart,  and  asked  advice  with  regard  to  a  little 
private  affair  of  his  own. 

It  appears  that,  like  a  great  many  foolish  young  men,  (I  don't 
say  it  was  foolish  in  his  case,  not  knowing  the  circumstances,)  he 
had  fallen  in  love,  while  in  college,  with  "  the  most  amiable  girl  in 
the  world."  That  was  five  years  ago,  so  that  their  courtship  had 
been  quite  protracted.  To  the  ardent  lovers,  at  least,  it  had 
seemed  sufficiently  so. 

Harriet  Phillips,  who,  at  the  time  of  their  engagement,  was 
but  fourteen,  had  now  arrived  at  the  mature  age  of  nineteen 
years,  —  "  Quite  old  enough,"  he  added,  with  an  inquiring  look  at 
the  Doctor,  "  to  take  charge  of  a  family." 

The  decided  tone  in  which  Frank  replied,  "  Certainly,"  gave 
the  suitor  new  courage.  »  To  marry,  or  not  to  marry,  that  was  now 
the  question  ;  and  the  judge  who  was  to  give  the  important 
decision,  acknowledged  that  he  found  himself  in  rather  a  novel 
predicament.  However,  he  shielded  himself  as  many  judges  do, 
behind  general  principles.  He  acknowledged  the  great  propriety 
of  a  physician  being  a  man  of  family,  and  as  soon  as  he  could 
support  a  wife  in  comfort,  he  certainly  advised  him  to  marry. 

"  This,"  said  Dr.  Clapp,  "  is  exactly  the  way  I  view  the 
subject." 

The  young  man  soon  after  returned  the  call  in  the  Doctor's 
absence.  With  a  frankness  which  seems  rather  peculiar  to  him, 
he  told  Emily  all  the  first  part  of  the  interview,  and  more  than 
hinted  at  the  latter  ;  so  that  she,  who  has  a  considerable  share  of 
curiosity,  coaxed  Frank  to  tell  her  the  rest,  saying,  "I'm  sure 
Dr.  Clapp  wants  me  to  know  about  it." 

Now  she  says,  "  I  shall  advise  him  to  bring  his  Harriet  without 

5 


50  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR. 

delay.  I  fancy,  lie  thought  her  old  enough  when  he  saw  you  at 
mother's  levee.  Besides  Frank  is  so  much  older  than  he  is." 

Emily  insists  that  I  do  not  look  more  than  sixteen,  and  that  I 
keep  blushing  like  a  girl  of  twelve.  I  wish  I  could  break  my 
self  of  this  habit ;  but  the  more  I  try,  the  more  the  blood  will 
rush  to  my  face.  It  is  very  disagreeable,  and  sometimes  places 
me  in  awkward  situations. 

But  to  return  to  my  story,  Dr.  Clapp  intends  to  profit  by  the 
excellent  example  set  him  by  an  elder  brother  of  the  cloth,  and 
will  soon  be  joined  in  the  bands  of  Hymen  to  his  beloved 
Harriet,  —  when  he  will  bring  her  to  the  goodly  town  of  Craw 
ford,  here  to  make  up  to  her,  by  every  means  in  his  power,  for 
the  trials  and  sacrifices,  she  has,  for  a  series  of  years,  been  called 
upon  to  make  as  the  eldest  sister  in  a  large,  and  not  very  pros 
perous  family. 

Poor  Emily,  I  wonder  when  she  will  laugh  again,  as  she  did 
when  she  related  that  to  me.  I  must  go  and  see  if  she  is  awake. 
I  have  not  heard  the  least  sound  from  her  room  all  the  time  I  have 
been  writing.  Ann  carried  Pauline  about  the  garden  until  she 
went  to  sleep,  that  the  house  might  be  quiet. 


CHAPTER   VI. 

"  Nought  shall  prevail  against  us,  or  disturb 
Our  cheerful  faith,  that  all  which  we  behold 
Is  full  of  blessings."        WOBDSWORTH. 

Tuesday,  June  IQth. 

LAST  night  when  I  sat  writing  busily,  a  hand  was  put  upon 
my  paper.  Starting  up,  I  saw  Frank  with  one  of  his  very  grave 
looks.  I  hastily  shut  my  desk.  "How  is  Emily?"  I  asked 
quickly. 

'  "  Emily  is  asleep  ;  and  I  thought  you  were,  long  ago.  I  really 
must  restrict  you  to  certain  hours  of  writing.  Do  you  know  how 
late  it  is  ?  "  He  held  his  watch  toward  me,  and  to  my  amaze 
ment  it  was  near  midnight. 

"  I  took  no  note  of  time,"  I  replied,  "  I  was  so  absorbed  in  writ 
ing.  It  is  almost  like  talking  with  my  own  dear  mother." 

"  Well,"  said  Frank,  touched  a  little,  I  suppose,  by  my  sad 
tone,  "  you  shall  write  as  much  as  you  please,  only  don't  take  the 
time  from  your  sleep." 

Tuesday  Noon. 

Dear,  dear  father,  mother  and  sisters,  how  happy  you  have 
made  me  by  writing  so  soon.  Frank  came  home  in  the  mid 
dle  of  the  forenoon,  and  beckoning  me  out  of  Emily's  room  in 
to  my  own,  stood  with  his  hands  behind  him,  and  asked,  "  How 
many  kisses  will  you  give  me  for  something  I  have  brought 
you  ?  " 

He  looked  so  pleased  and  mysterious,  I  could'nt  think  for  an 
instant  what  it  could  be.  When  I  did,  I  gave  a  bound  behind 
him,  and  caught  the  letters  before  he  was  aware.  "  But,"  he  sa^» 
« I  won't  be  cheated  in  that  way.  I'll  sue  you."  I  told  him,  I 


52  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

would  give  him  a  thousand  kisses  after  I  had  read  my  letters. 
My  hands  trembled  so  much  with  joy  and  excitement,  that  I  had 
difficulty  in  tearing  off  the  covering ;  when  such  a  dear  packet 
presented  itself,  I  almost  danced  with  delight. 

Frank  looked  as  pleased  as  I  did.  I  made  him  sit  down  while 
I  read  dear  father's  letter,  the  last  in  order ;  when  I  had  finish 
ed,  Frank  said,  "  I  must  tear  myself  away,  and  hear  the  rest  after 
dinner.  My  patients  will  wonder  what  has  become  of  me.  — - 
"  But,"  he  added  with  a  very  demure  look,  "  can't  you  pay  rne 
part  of  my  bill,  and  let  me  endorse  it  on  the  account  ?  " 

I  sprang  up,  and  with  my  arms  around  his  neck,  gave  him 
such  a  shower  of  kisses,  as  certainly  he  never  had  from  me  be 
fore  ;  and  I  sat  down  quite  out  of  breath. 

"  There,  now,  I've  found  out  what  you  can  do  !  "  he  said,  laugh 
ing  merrily,  "  you  have  kept  me  on  very  short  allowance  herejo- 
fore  ;  I  never  supposed  you  capable  of  such  exertions."  He  then 
slipped  quietly  into  Emily's  room,  and  soon  I  heard  him  drive 
away. 

Isn't  he  a  darling,  mother  ?  though  I  fear,  it  won't  do  to  tell  him 
so,  for  he  is  getting  really  to  think  too  much  of  himself.  He 
used  to  be  so  grateful  for  the  least  favor  shown  to  him ;  and 
thought  it  such  a  privilege  to  be  allowed  to  kiss  my  hand.  Now 
he  grows  more  exacting  in  his  demands  ;  and  nobody  knows  what 
he'll  expect  after  this. 

He  heard  of  the  arrival  in  New  York  of  the  packet  ship 
•'  Eleanor,"  and  has  been  watching  the  mail  for  my  letters.  — 
Caesar  happened  to-day  to  go  to  the  office  before  him ;  but  Frank 
drove  rapidly  home  to  have  the  pleasure  himself  of  giving  them 
to  me.  All  this  Caesar  was  delighted  to  tell  me,  while  his  eyes 
shone  like  two  stars  through  a  cloud. 

The  whole  family  sympathize  with  me  in  my  joy  at  hearing 
from  my  dear,  sweet  home.  Even  Emily  brightened  up  a  little, 
as  I  read  mother  Lenox  part  of  Bell's  letter.  She  lies  quietly  in 
bed,  and  says  she  is  free  from  pain ;  but  she  cannot  make  the  least 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  53 

exertion  without  fainting.  Frank  says,  she  has  a  slow  fever. 
The  cottage  is  shut  up ;  and  Ruth  has  come  over  to  aid  Phebe 
while  mother  and  sister  are  here.  I  feel  very  glad  that  Emily's 
sickness  occurred  here.  Mother  says,  it  was  all  wisely  ordered.  I 
know,  she  feels  relieved  at  night  by  this  arrangement. 

Tuesday  evening. 

Frank  says,  I  may  write  half  an  hour,  to  pay  for  my  liberality 
to  him  this  morning ;  and  he  will  sit  up  and  read  his  papers.  This 
has  been  an  eventful  day  to  me ;  —  first  my  letters  from  home ;  — 
then  I  had  a  note  from  Mr.  Benson,  informing  me,  that,  situated 
as  he  was,  (with  regard  to  Emily  I  suppose),  he  could  not  give 
proper  attention  to  the  duties  of  his  profession,  and  that  as  tutor 
and  companion,  he  had  accepted  an  offer  made  him  some  months 
ago,  but  then  declined,  of  going  to  Europe  Avith  a  young  man. 

What  will  Emily  say  ?  1  shall  not  be  the  one  to  tell  her.  I 
read  the  letter  silently,  and  then  passed  it  to  my  husband.  He 
looked  very,  very  grave,  almost  stern. 

"  Cora,"  he  asked  after  a  long  pause,  "  do  you  think,  Emily  has 
trifled  with  the  affections  of  this  young  man  ?  "Women  seem  to 
have  an  intuitive  perception  on  such  subjects." 

"  I  think  that  she  loves  him  far  more  than  she  will  acknowl 
edge  ;  but  I  don't  believe,  she  ever  gave  much  encouragement  to 
his  suit.  When  I  have  been  present,  she  has  treated  him  with 
indifference,  almost  with  rudeness.  Perhaps  I  ought  not  to  ex 
press  a  mere  suspicion ;  but  I  have  thought,  Emily's  conscience 
troubled  her  on  account  of  the  manner  in  which  she  treated  him. 
From  her  casual  remarks,  I  fear,  she  dismissed  him  rather  haugh 
tily." 

"  Worse  and  worse,"  exclaimed  Frank,  with  such  severity,  I 
was  almost  frightened.  "  For  one  situated  as  she  is,  with  regard 
to  wealth,  to  conduct  herself  in  such  a  manner  toward  a  gentleman 
of  his  worth  and  education  is  really  unpardonable.  It  would 
sting  him  to  the  quick ;  and  I  respect  him  all  the  more  for  the 

5* 


54  CORA   AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

course  he  has  pursued.  If  she  were  poor  and  friendless,  it  would 
not  be  half  so  censurable.  But  for  her  to  take  advantage  of  her 
station  to  insult  him —  pshaw  —  I  cannot  bear  to  think  of  it." 

"  Oh,  Frank  !  don't  speak  in  such  a  severe  tone.  I  was  wrong 
to  say  what  I  did." 

"  Well,"  said  he,  hastily  withdrawing  his  hand  from  mine,  "  I 
wish,  she  were  as  ready  to  acknowledge  her  faults  as  you  are," 

"  But  it  may  be  all  my  suspicion.  I  may  not  have  understood 
her  aright." 

«  What  did  she  say  ?  " 

I  replied  reluctantly,  for  he  was  already  much  excited.  "  She 
did  not  say  so  in  words.  Only  I  received  the  impression,  that  she 
had  given  him  to  understand,  she  was  astonished,  he  should  pre 
sume  to  think,  she  would  be  the  wife  of  a  poor  country  clergyman.'' 

"  Cora,"  exclaimed  Frank,  starting  up  and  walking  across  the 
room.  —  I  burst  into  tears.  I  had  never  before  seen  him  so  excited  ; 
and  I  had  no  idea,  he  could  look,  or  speak,  so  severely.  It  makes 
me  almost  cry  even  now  to  think  of  it. 

Frank  just  now  says,  "  my  love,  you  've  exceeded  your  time  ;" 
so  good  night,  dear  mother. 

Wednesday,  June  17 th. 

My  husband  told  me  last  night  that  a  packet  was  advertised  to 
sail  for  Liverpool,  and  that  probably  it  would  need  ballast,  and 
therefore  it  would  be  a  good  opportunity  for  me  to  send  my  journal. 
It  amuses  him  that  I  find  so  much  to  write  about.  He  little  im 
agines  how  much  I  write  respecting  him,  my  lord  and  master. 
He  has  never  asked  to  see  it ;  he  has  too  much  delicacy  to  do 
that. 

Emily  had  a  comfortable  night ;  and  mother  slept  quite  well, 
and  feels  refreshed.  I  asked  Frank,  if  Cajsar  would  be  at  liberty 
to  take  me  to  ride  this  morning. 

"  Certainly,"  he  replied,  "  I  hope  you  will  call  upon  him  when 
ever  you  wish.  He  will  be  proud  to  drive  you."  So  I  dressed  my 
little  miss  in  her  best  suit,  and  having  taken  her  in  for  a  morning 


OR.   REVELATIONS    OF    A    PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  55 

call  upon  aunt  Emily,  we  started  off  in  the  cool  of  the  day.  I 
wanted  to  return  before  the  time  for  Pauline's  "  siesta" 

As  we  drove  down  the  hill,  I  asked  Caisar  if  he  knew  where 
Caroline  Leighton  lived. 

"  Oh,  yes  Missus  !  I  goes  dere  berry  often  for  Mass'r  Frank." 

"And  do  you  know  where  Mr.  Lewis  lives  ?  " 

"  De  man  what 's  dying  wid  consumption  ?  " 

«  Yes." 

"  Well  den,  I  knows  dat  too.     Where  you  go  first,  Missus  ?  " 

"  To  see  Caroline."  As  we  rode  on,  I  asked,  "  Can  you  spare 
the  time  from  your  work  to  wait  for  me,  and  let  Pauline  sit  in  the 
carriage  ?  I  don't  like  to  be  in  a  hurry  when  a  person  is  sick." 

Good  Cajsar's  face  fairly  shone  as  if  freshly  anointed  ;  and  he 
replied,  "  I  'spects  so,  Missus.  Mass'r  Frank  told  me,  allus  leave 
ebery  ting,  when  young  Missus  wants  to  go.  Mass'r  Frank  sets 
mighty  store  by  young  Missus." 

Just  then  we  stopped  at  the  gate ;  and  I  was  prevented  the 
necessity  of  replying  to  the  complimentary  speech,  which,  however, 
being  the  conviction  of  his  large,  honest  heart,  gave  me  more 
pleasure  than  almost  any  one,  I  ever  received.  He  let  down  the 
steps  and  lifted  me  out  as  if  I  were  a  wax  doll.  I  verily  believe 
he  wanted  to  take  me  in  his  arms  and  carry  me  to  the  house,  as 
he  would  Pauline.  She  wished  to  go  with  me ;  but  he  sat  in  the 
carriage  holding  her  in  his  arms,  saying,  "  mammy  come  back." 

I  had  brought  with  me  two  beautiful  bouquets,  one  for  each  of 
my  sick  friends.  With  Caroline's  in  my  hand,  I  knocked  gently 
at  the  door  of  her  apartment,  though  I  could  have  entered,  as  the 
doors  were  open  to  admit  the  fresh  air.  She  turned  her  head  at 
the  sound,  and  was  very  much  pleased  at  my  early  call.  She  said, 
she  would  ring  her  little  bell  for  her  mother  ;  but  I  told  her  on  no 
account.  Indeed,  I  was  glad,  she  was  alone. 

I  laid  off  my  bonnet,  saying  as  I  did  so,  "  You  see,  I  intend 
making  a  long  cull."  I  then  took  a  tumbler,  and  having  filled  it  with 


56  COIIA    AND    THE    DOCTOR  ; 

water  from  the  pitcher  on  the  table,  I  put  the  flowers  in  it  and  set 
them  near  her. 

She  smiled,  and  seemed  pleased  that  I  made  myself  so  much 
at  home.  I  drew  a  chair  to  the  side  of  the  bed,  and  taking  her 
thin  white  hand  in  mine,  asked,  "  do  you  feel  strong  enough  to  talk 
with  me  a  little  ?  "  She  bowed  assent. 

"  Does  it  not  seem  hard  for  one  so  young  to  be  called  to  die  ? 
Do  you  feel  willing  to  give  up  this  beautiful  world,  your  mother 
and  friends  ?  " 

"  Heaven  is  far  more  beautiful; "  and  she  added,  with  a  devout 
expression,  "  my  Saviour  is  there." 

"  How  long,  dear  Caroline,  have  you  loved  the  Saviour  ? " 

"With  a  deep  sigh,  and  a  look  of  profound  sorrow,  she  replied, 
"  only  a  few  months.  Oh,  what  a  hard  heart  mine  has  been  !  — 
to  turn  for  so  long  a  time  from  a  loving  Saviour." 

"  Can  you,  without  exerting  yourself  too  much,  tell  me  about 
the  change  in  your  feelings  ?  " 

"  Has  n't  the  Doctor  told  you  ?  " 

"  No,  he  said  perhaps  you  would  do  so." 

She  closed  her  eyes  for  a  moment,  and  then  gave  me  the  follow 
ing  account.  "  I  lived  a  life  of  gayety  and  pleasure.  The  world 
looked  bright ;  not  only  the  things  of  nature,  to  which  you  referred, 
but  gay  people,  fashion  and  pleasure  in  every  form.  I  suppose  it 
will  do  no  harm  for  me  to  say  now,  that  I  was  praised  for  my 
personal  beauty,  and  for  my  graceful  manner.  But  I  forgot  that 
"  we  all  do  fade  as  a  leaf."  Yes,  I  forgot  it,  though  I  had  lost 
two  sisters,  since  my  remembrance. 

"In  the  unwearied  pursuit  of  worldly  enjoyment,  all  other 
things  faded  from  my  mind.  Yet  there  were  times  when  con 
science  sounded  an  alarm,  and  the  thought  that  perhaps  I  too  should 
be  cut  off,  as  my  sisters  had  been,  in  the  morning  of  life,  made  the 
blood  stagnate  in  my  veins,  and  my  heart  cease  to  beat. 

"  I  was  a  regular  attendant  at  church,  and  one  of  the  prominent 


OK,    REVELATIONS    OF    A    PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  57 

members  of  the  choir.  But  I  never  listened  to  the  sermons.  I 
studiously  avoided  hearing  them  ;  especially  when  they  treated  of 
death,  the  judgment,  and  eternity.  I  have  often  sat  in  church, 
very  devout  in  the  eyes  of  those  about  me,  but  engaged  in  making 
all  my  plans  for  the  coming  week ;  and  then  quieted  myself  with 
the  thought  that  I  had  not  sinned  half  so  much,  as  if  I  had  heard 
the  sermon,  and  not  profited  by  it.  I  was  often  praised  for  my 
regular  attendance.  Alas  !  He  who  looks  into  the  heart  knows 
I  went  to  the  sanctuary  far  more  to  exhibit  myself,  to  hear  people 
say  of  me,  '  how  handsome  !  what  a  fine  voice ! '  than  to  worship 
my  Maker,  who  had  bestowed  these  gifts  upon  me. 

"About  a  year  since,  I  took  a  violent  cold  upon  my  lungs.  I  had 
previously  felt  languid  and  unwell,  but  would  not  acknowledge  it 
to  mother,  lest  I  should  be  kept  from  singing  school,  and  places  of 
amusement.  Soon  after  this,  the  Doctor  was  called,  and  never 
was  there  a  harder  or  more  rebellious  heart  than  mine,  when  he, 
in  the  kindest,  most  fatherly  manner,  told  me  that  the  disease 
would  probably  pi'ove  fatal.  It  was  not  in  the  power  of  man,  he 
added,  to  effect  a  cure.  He  said  that  possibly  I  might  be  better, 
and  live  for  years ;  but  the  disease  was  upon  me  and  could  not 
be  shaken  off. 

"  That  was  the  thought  that  twinged  every  nerve  in  my  body. 
I  hated  my  Creator  for  making  me"  sick.  I  hated  my  physician 
for  telling  me  of  it.  I  hated  my  parents  and  every  one  who  be 
lieved  it.  But  oh !  I  hated  myself  more  than  all,  when  I  began 
to  see  a  little  into  my  own  heart. 

"  I  had  always  been  called  amiable  ;  and  I  believed  myself  to 
be  so.  But  now  I  was  actually  frightened  at  the  tumult  of  hard 
and  angry  thoughts  in  my  awakened  soul.  In  the  night,  I  fre 
quently  awoke,  trembling  with  affright ;  an  angry  God  seemed 
ready  to  consume  me  with  his  fierce  wrath.  This  state  of  mind 
continued  with  some  abatement  for  several  months ;  and  the  con 
flict  of  my  feelings  operated  injuriously  upon  my  health. 

"  One  day  your  husband  came  in,  when  he  could  stop  longer 


58  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

than  usual.  He  sat  down  by  my  bed  and  tried  to  talk  with  me. 
But  I  would  not  speak.  I  pretended  not  to  hear  what  he  said. 
Some  of  his  words,  however,  arrested  my  attention,  and  without 
intending  it,  I  turned  my  face  toward  him.  He  understood  the 
whole  of  my  hardness  and  guilt.  He  asked  me  if  I  had  ever 
realized  how  great  was  the  love  of  Jesus,  who  left  the  blessedness 
of  heaven,  to  suffer  and  die  for  us,  and  who  having  made  atone 
ment,  now  endures  neglect  and  reproach  from  the  guilty  souls,  he 
came  to  save.  It  is  human,  said  he,  when  man  offers  a  favor  to 
his  fellow,  and  is  treated  with  neglect  and  scorn,  to  withdraw  the 
offer.  But  the  Divine  Lord  who  endures  indifference,  ridicule  and 
contempt,  still  says, '  Come  unto  me  all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy 
laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest.' 

"  Oh,  those  blessed,  blessed  words  !  I  listened  as  if  I  had  never 
heard  them  before.  Was  I  not  weary  with  wrestling  with  the 
Almighty  ?  Oh  !  was  I  not  heavily  laden  with  sins,  more  than  I 
could  bear  ?  Why  may  I  not  come  ?  For  the  first  time,  tears  of 
real  penitence  filled  my  eyes,  and  with  a  subdued  voice,  I  said, 
'  Will  you  pray  for  me  ? '  He  did  pray,  as  he  had  done  many 
times  before  ;  but  I  never  heard  till  then.  He  wept  as  he  besought 
God  earnestly  in  my  behalf.  God  in  mercy  answered. 

"  When  he  arose,  Christ  had  taken  my  burden,  and  I  was  at 
rest.  I  had  never  disbelieved  the  Bible.  But  now  its  truths 
came  home  to  my  heart,  and  I  was  made  free. 

"  Oh  ! "  she  exclaimed,  almost  in  rapture,  "  the  goodness  and 
long  suffering  of  God,  to  me  a  poor  lost  sinner." 

The  excitement  of  speaking  had  carried  her  beyond  her  strength ; 
and  as  she  lay  with  her  hands  clasped,  and  eyes  closed,  she  looked 
so  pale,  I  feared  she  had  fainted.  But  she  presently  opened  her 
eyes,  while  a  heavenly  smile  played  around  her  mouth.  I  kissed 
her  forehead  ;  but  I  could  not  speak. 

Her  mother,  not  hearing  the  bell  for  some  time,  looked  into  the 
room  to  see  if  she  were  asleep ;  but  perceiving  me,  she  returned 
to  her  work. 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.    I  59 

"  Dear  Mrs.  Lenox,"  said  the  sweet  girl,  "  you  '11  pray  with  me/ 
I  hesitated.  "  For  your  husband's  sake,  please." 

I  could  not  deny  her,  but  saying  I  would  return  after  a  moment, 
I  left  the  room.  I  had  seen  from  the  window  that  Caasar  had 
difficulty  in  keeping  the  horse  quiet  on  account  of  the  heat  and  flies. 
I  told  him  to  ride  on  a  short  distance  and  call  for  me  in  about  ten 
minutes. 

When  I  returned,  and  was  about  to  close  the  door,  Caroline  said 
"  no  one  will  disturb  us,  and  the  room  is  very  warm." 

With  my  hand  in  hers,  and  my  face  on  her  pillow,  I  for  the 
first  time  addressed  my  Heavenly  Father  in  presence  of  a  fellow 
creature.  But  I  was  not  embarrassed.  He  who  looks  from  above, 
put  words  in  my  mouth  and  was  near  me. 

As  I  arose  and  stood  by  the  bed,  I  was  startled  by  the  moving 
of  a  shadow ;  and  turning  quickly  to  the  door  I  saw  my  husband 
standing  on  the  steps  with  his  face  buried  in  his  handkerchief. 

Passing  through  this  part  of  the  town  to  visit  a  patient,  he  had 
stopped  this  morning  instead  of  returning  here  this  afternoon.  I 
do  not  think  he  heard  me ;  and  if  he  did,  I  ought  not  to  feel 
ashamed,  when  I  dared  speak  in  the  presence  of  the  High  and 
Holy  One.  But  I  must  confess  it.  I  felt  for  the  first  time  in  my 
life  sorry  to  see  him. 

"  How  came  you  here  ?  "  he  asked  in  surprise. 

"  You  forgot  you  gave  me  permission  to  ride  out" 

"  And  Ca?sar,  where  is  he  ?  " 

"  There,"  said  I,  pointing  to  the  carriage,  which  was  just  stopping 
at  the  gate.  "  You  must  not  talk  much  with  her,"  I  said  smiling. 
"  But  you  may  talk  a  little  to  her  if  she  will  be  very  quiet.  I  fear 
she  has  already  had  too  much  company."  Promising  to  visit  her 
again  as  soon  as  possible,  I  went  with  Frank  to  the  carriage,  when 
he  returned  to  his  patient.  I  found  Pauline  struggling  hard  to 
keep  her  eyes  open,  and  on  consulting  my  watch,  concluded  to 
postpone  my  call  upon  Mr.  Lewis  until  another  day.  So  I  merely 


60  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

left  the  flowers  in  passing,  saying  to  his  wife  that  I  would  endeavor 
to  make  him  an  early  call. 

"  He  has  been  lotting  upon  seeing  you,  maam.  He  says  of  the 
two,  you  better  understand  his  feelings,  seeing  you'  ve  had  the 
Bame."  "We  hastened  home,  where  the  sleepy  girl  was  glad  to 
drink  some  milk  and  go  to  bed. 

And  now,  dear  mother,  with  remembrances  of  affection  to  the 
dear  home-circle,  I  close  this  part  of  my  journal,  which  I  hope 
will  interest  you.  I  intend  writing  to  Bell  and  Nelly  in  answer  to 
theirs  just  received. 

Thursday,  June  18th. 

.  I  gladly  resume  my  journal ;  I  feel  lost  without  my  writing. 
Emily  appears  really  better.  Of  course  she  knows  nothing 
of  Mr.  Benson's  intended  departure.  I  have  not  been  able  to 
learn  when  he  sails.  He  only  says  in  his  note,  "  as  soon  as  his 
arrangements  can  be  made."  Emily  seems  indifferent  to  every 
thing ;  and,  when  mother  and  I  talk  cheerfully,  turns  her  face 
away.  But  I  have  seen  the  tears  trickle  through  her  fingers  when 
she  thought  herself  unnoticed.  To-day,  however,  she  is  brighter, 
and  though  not  by  any  means  as  she  once  was,  she  appears  to  have 
made  her  mind  up  to  some  course ;  and  to  feel  better  for  her  de 
cision.  But  this  is  mere  suspicion.  Time  will  show  whether  I 
am  correct.  This  afternoon  she  sat  up  in  the  easy  chair  more  than 
an  hour,  and  amused  herself  with  Pauline,  who  looked  at  her  very 
seriously  at  first,  as  if  she  did  not  quite  understand  all  these 
changes. 

Early  this  morning,  I  begged  a  ride  with  Frank  as  far  as  Mr. 

Lewis's,  and  told  him  my  intention  was  to  walk  back.     To  the 

'latter  part  of  my  proposition,  he  very  unwillingly  consented,  as  it 

is  half  a  mile,  and  the  heat  is  great.     But  with  my  parasol  I 

thought  I  might  venture. 

Mrs.  Lewis  came  into  the  little  entry  to  receive  me,  and  told 


OH,   REVELATIONS    OF   A  PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  61 

me  in  a  low  tone,  her  husband  was  failing  fast,  and  she  thought, 
could  not  live  many  days.  "  He  will  be  right  pleased  to  see  you. 
He  has  set  his  heart  upon  it."  I  then  followed  her  up-stairs  to 
the  room.  He  is  now  wholly  confined  to  the  bed. 

Every  article  of  furniture,  I  observed,  was  scrupulously  neat ; 
and  something  in  the  appearance  and  conversation  of  the  family 
reminded  me  forcibly  of  the  household  of  the  Dairyman,  as  de 
scribed  in  Legh  Richmond's  well  known  tract  entitled  "  The 
Dairyman's  Daughter."  There  was  an  air  of  respectability, 
/which  is  often  felt,  but  which  cannot  easily  be  described. 

Mr.  Lewis  was  sitting  bolstered  up  in  bed.  He  could  not 
breathe  when  lying  down ;  and  could  only  speak  in  a  broken 
whisper,  with  long  intervals  between  his  words.  Sitting  with 
him  was  a  married  sister,  who  had  followed  him  to  this  country, 
and  who  had  now  come  to  remain  with  him  until  after  the  closing 
scene. 

I  took  my  seat  near  the  bed,  and  begged  Mrs.  Lewis  to  allow 
me  to  pass  him  the  cordial  with  which  he  was  constantly  obliged 
to  wet  his  lips.  With  a  courtesy  she  thanked  me  and  resumed 
her  sewing,  while  I  addressed  a  few  words  to  the  poor  sufferer. 

"  I  am  afraid  you  are  too  sick  to  hear  me  talk,  you  seem  very 
ill  this  morning. 

"  All  —  peace  —  here,"  he  whispered,  laying  his  emaciated 
hand  upon  his  breast. 

I  expressed  very  great  pleasure  that  God  had  heard  his 
prayer,  and  asked  whether  he  felt  any  of  the  fears  with  which  he 
was  troubled  at  my  last  visit. 

He  shook  his  head ;  and  when  I  held  the  cup  to  his  mouth  said, 
"I  —  can  —  trust  —  him.  He  —  will  —  do  —  right." 

This,  then,  was  the  source  of  his  peace.  My  eyes  filled  with 
tears  as  I  quoted  the  passage  of  Scripture  which  came  into  «my 
mind.  "  Thou  wilt  keep  him  in  perfect  peace  whose  soul  is  staid 
on  Thee."  I  noticed  that  he  looked  exceedingly  faint,  and  mo 
tioned  to  his  wife,  who  immediately  held  some  camphor  to  his 

G 


62  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

nostrils,  saying  as  she  did  so,  that   he   could  take  no  nourish 
ment. 

When  he  revived,  I  thought  I  had  better  retire  ;  but  he  looked 
wistfully  first  at  me,  then  at  his  wife,  who  caught  his  meaning 
and  said,  "  He  would  like  to  have  you  read  and  pray  with  him 
as  the  Doctor  does." 

I  made  no  reply.  What  could  I  say  ?  She  arose  and  gave  me 
an  old,  well-preserved  family  Bible  ;  and  turning  to  the  fourth  of 
Hebrews,  I  was  just  commencing  to  read  about  "  the  rest  that 
remaineth  to  the  people  of  God,"  when  a  gentle  knock  at  the 
outer  door  called  Mrs.  Lewis  from  the  room.  I  went  on,  how 
ever,  in  compliance  with  a  wistful  look  from  the  invalid,  and 
read  through  the  chapter,  having  in  the  mean  time  come  to  the 
conclusion,  that  if  the  sister  would  leave  the  room,  I  would  try  to 
comply  with  the  dying  man's  request.  Just  as  I  closed  the  book, 
she  stepped  softly  behind  me,  and  desired  me  to  go  below  for  a 
moment.  Explaining  this  in  a  word  to  Mr.  Lewis,  I  complied 
with  her  wish. 

Entering  the  lower  room,  I  found  Mr.  Munroe,  who  had  been 
requested  by  the  Doctor  to  call.  I  was  much  interested  in  the 
account  given  by  Mrs.  Lewis  to  her  pastor  ;  and  which  she  nar 
rated  in  language  above  her  station.  I  have  often  noticed  that 
persons  in  humble  life  when  speaking  upon  religious  topics,  are 
elevated  by  their  theme,  and  by  their  familiarity  with  the  lan 
guage  of  scripture. 

Mr.  Lewis  was  born  of  pious  parents  who  early  dedicated  him 
to  God,  and  sought  prayerfully  to  educate  him  in  the  fear  of  his 
Maker.  He  had  lived  a  perfectly  moral  and  peaceful  life,  having 
been  able  to  support  his  family  at  least  in  comfort,  until  laid  low 
by  disease.  When  he  was  unable  longer  to  work,  they  had 
moved  to  Crawford,  as  a  place  where  his  wife  could  find  employ 
ment  for  her  needle. 

They  had  three  children,  the  girl  and  boy  I  mentioned,  and 
one  between  the  ages  of  these  two,  who  was  at  school.  Mrs. 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OP  A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  63 

Lewis  felt  that  her  husband  was  a  Christian,  and  had  been,  for 
many  years.  But  he  was  of  an  eminently  timid  spirit,  distrust 
ful  of  himself,  and  as  he  could  not  tell  the  exact  time  of  his  con 
version,  not  having  been  exercised  in  mind  like  his  wife,  and 
many  others  whose  experience  he  had  heard  or  read,  he  had  been 
unwilling  to  make  a  public  profession  of  religion.  He  had,  how 
ever,  been  in  the  daily  habit  of  secret  prayer,  and  of  reading  the 
scriptures ;  had  taught  his  children  faithfully,  not  only  the  practi 
cal  duties  of  religion,  but  had  endeavored  to  instil  into  their  young 
minds  the  sacred  doctrines  of 'the  gospel,  as  he  had  been  taught 
them  by  his  parents. 

During  the  visit  of  the  Doctor  on  Tuesday,  the  patient  had 
given  evidence  of  a  saving  change  ;  and  he  had  urged  the  sick 
man  to  give  glory  to  God,  and  to  hope  in  his  mercy.  This 
view  of  his  case  led  the  poor  man  to  a  train  of  reflection,  which 
ended  in  the  calm  but  complete  trust  he  put  in  his  Heavenly 
Father. 

He  had  none  of  the  rapture  with  which  Caroline  was  some 
times  borne  as  on  angel  wings,  to  heaven  ;  but  there  were  reasons 
to  hope  he  was  as  truly  a  monument  of  grace.  At  the  Doctor's 
last  call,  he  had  humbly  but  earnestly  expressed  a  desire  to 
unite  himself  to  the  people  of  God,  and  to  taste,  at  least,  once  on 
earth,  of  that  feast  of  which  our  risen  Lord  has  said,  "  Do  this  in 
remembrance  of  me." 

The  Doctor  had  requested  our  pastor  to  call  and  converse  with 
him  upon  this  subject.  I  expressed  my  fear  that  the  invalid  was 
too  much  fatigued;  but  Mr.  Munroe  said  he  should  be  very 
brief. 

I  waited  below  for  about  ten  minutes,  when  Mrs.  Lewis  invited 
me  to  go  up  and  join  them  in  prayer.  The  regular  season  for 
the  administration  of  the  ordinance  here  will  be  the  first  Sabbath 
in  July,  but  as  Mr.  Lewis  will  not  probably  live  so  long,  it  was 
concluded  to  have  the  service  privately  administered  to'  him  next 
{Sabbath  afternoon.  Mrs.  Lewis  invited  me  to  be  present  with 


64  CORA   AND   THE   DOCTOR. 

the  Doctor,  which  I  promised  to  do,  and  left  accompanied  by  Mr. 
Munroe,  whose  house  lay  in  the  same  direction. 

Mrs.  Munroe  has  been  absent  ever  since  my  arrival  in  Craw 
ford,  on  a  visit  to  her  father's.  I  told  her  husband,  I  anticipated 
much  pleasure  in  her  acquaintance. 

He  says,  he  is  under  great  obligation  to  the  Doctor,  for  inform 
ing  him  of  such  cases  as  the  one  we  had  just  witnessed.  He  is 
still  so  much  of  a  stranger  in  the  place,  he  has  not  found  out  who 
are  the  members  of  his  parish.  He  enlarged  particularly  upon 
the  great  aid  it  was  to  a  clergyman,  as  well  as  upon  the  great 
advantage  it  was  to  the  town,  to  have  a  pious  physician.  He 
said  it  was  often  the  case  when  physicians  were  otherwise,  that 
they  were  unwilling  to  have  a  pastor  visit  their  patients,  vainly 
imagining  that  they  might  frighten  and  injure  them.  Here  he 
said,  he  everywhere  met  with  evidence  of  the  Doctor's  faithful 
ness  to  the  souls  as  well  as  to  the  bodies  of  those  to  whom  he  was 
called. 

This  exactly  accords  with  my  own  observation.  I  thank  God 
that  he  has  made  my  dear  Frank  an  instrument  of  good. 

"As  we  were  approaching  Mr.  Munroe's  house,  he  said,  "  I  have 
been  much  surprised  to  hear  that  our  neighbor  Mr.  Benson  in 
tends  to  leave  his  people,  and  to  go  to  Europe.  He  said  nothing 
to  me  upon  the  subject,"  he  added,  "  when  I  met  him  on  Sabbath 
morning.  I  should  have  supposed  that  he  would  have  wished  to 
spend  the  last  Sabbath  among  his  own  people.  There  is  some 
mystery  about  it." 

I  made  no  reply ;  and  after  a  pause,  he  inquired  "  Is  he  out  of 
health?" 

"  He  certainly  appeared  so  the  day  he  preached,"  I  replied. 
I  did  my  best  to  appear  unembarrassed,  but  cannot  say  that  I 
entirely  succeeded.  He  looked  intently  at  me  for  a  moment,  but 
said  no  more. 

When  I  left  him,  he  added,  he  should  not  be  surprised  if  Mr. 
Lewis  did  not  live  until  the  Sabbath,  but  he  thought  him  pre 
pared  to  die. 


CHAPTER    VII. 

"  Give  him  not  all  his  desire,  so  shult  thou  strengthen  him  in  hope; 
Neither  stop  with  indulgence  the  fountain  of  his  tears,  so  shall  he  fear  thy  firm 
ness. 
Above  all  things,  graft  on  him  subjection,  yea  in  the  veriest  trifle."        TCPPER. 

Friday  Evening,  June  ISth. 

EMILY  continues  convalescent,  and  her  eye  begins  to  have  its 
former  lustre.  She  has  sat  in  the  chair  nearly  all  the  afternoon, 
while  mother  and  I  were  sewing  and  Pauline  played  with  her  toys 
upon  the  floor.  I  am  more  than  ever  convinced  that  Emily's 
sickness  is  connected  with  her  mental  trouble. 

I  am  likely  to  have  full  employment  for  my  needle.  Little 
girls  need  so  many  changes,  and  Miss  Pauline  had  none,  on  her 
arrival,  however  large  her  wardrobe  may  have  originally  been. 
Mother  wishes  to  assist  me ;  but  I  declined  her  kind  offer. 

Poor  little  Pauline !  she  had  a  hard  time  this  morning,  and  so 
did  her  mamma.  We  had  quite  a  controversy ;  but  I  will  ex 
plain.  Caesar  was  going  to  market  in  the  village ;  and  I  told  him 
if  he  would  take  the  carriage,  I  would  ride  with  him,  as  I  wished 
to  make  a  few  purchases. 

It  is  very  warm ;  and  I  did  not  think  it  best  for  Pauline  to  ac 
company  me,  as  she  had  generally  done  of  late.  She  thought  this 
very  hard,  and  began  to  cry.  I  stepped  back,  and  said,  "  Aunty 
sick  ;  Pauline  mus  n't  cry,"  Avhen  she  fairly  screamed,  and  showed 
a  very  naughty  temper.  I  saw  there  was  to  be  a  contest ;  and  I  told 
Cassar  not  to  wait.  "  I  must  postpone  my  ride  until  another 
6* 


66  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOBJ 

time."  Then  taking  her  in  my  arms  I  carried  her  to  a  room  the 
farthest  removed  from  Emily's,  and  laying  off  my  bonnet,  at 
tempted  to  take  her  into  my  lap. 

But  no,  she  would  not  come  to  me.  She  ran  across  the  room 
and  threw  herself  down  on  the  floor,  kicking  and  screaming.  I 
was  astonished,  and  did  not  know  what  to  do.  I  was  afraid  if  she 
cried  so,  she  would  make  herself  sick ;  at  the  same  time  I  knew 
that  she  ought  to  be  made  to  obey.  It  was  in  my  heart  to  take 
her  up  and  coax  her  to  be  good;  but  this  I  knew  would  injure  her, 
and  destroy  my  authority.  In  a  low  firm  voice  I  said,  "  Get  up, 
Pauline,  and  come  to  mamma."  She  only  kicked  the  more,  and 
screamed  the  louder.  I  had  not  supposed  the  child  had  half  the 
strength  of  limb  or  lungs.  This  was  her  first  exhibition  of  temper. 
Till  now  she  had  been  uniformly  yielding  and  mild,  though  to  be 
sure,  as  Frank  says,  this  was  the  first  time  her  wishes  were  ever 
crossed. 

I  never  was  so  perplexed  ;  and  if  Frank  had  been  in  the  house 
I  should  have  left  her  with  him,  and  ran  off  where  I  could  n't 
hear  her  scream.  I  kept  repeating  my  commands  ;  but  she  paid 
no  attention,  though  I  spoke  as  gently  and  caressingly  as  I  could, 
and  asked  her  to  be  mamma's  dear  little  girl.  She  would  stop 
screaming  a  moment  and  look  at  me ;  and  when  I  thought  she  was 
going  to  yield,  she  would  begin  afresh. 

I  tried  to  think  she  did  not  understand  me,  and  was  thankful  for 
any  excuse  for  her.  But  in  this  I  soon  found  I  was  mistaken ; 
for  I  told  her  to  pick  up  a  block  and  put  it  in  the  chair.  This  she 
did  readily ;  then  when  I  told  her  to  come  to  me,  she  lay  down  and 
began  to  kick  and  scream  with  all  her  might. 

I  left  her  on  the  floor,  and  calling  mother  out  of  Emily's  room, 
told  her  in  a  whisper  my  trouble,  and  asked  her  what  I  could  do. 
I  even  begged  her  to  go  in,  and  try  her  skill.  But  she  said  that 
would  not  answer  the  purpose  ;  Pauline  must  be  made  to  submit 
to  me,  as  her  parent.  She  encouraged  me  by  saying,  "  I  once  had 
just  such  a  contest  with  Frank ;  but  when  he  yielded,  it  was  for 
life." 


OK,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  67 

I  therefore  returned  to  the  room,  with  a  heavy  heart,  where  the 
noise  had  entirely  subsided.  Finding,  however,  that  she  was  no 
more  ready  to  obey,  but  had  stopped  from  sheer  exhaustion,  I 
kneeled  by  the  chair,  and  asked  God  to  give  me  wisdom  and 
strength  for  this  emergency.  And  if  chastisement  were  necessary, 
I  prayed  that  it  might  be  administered  in  a  right  spirit. 

I  arose  and  took  my  seat.  "  Pauline,"  said  I,  "  if  you  do  not 
come  to  mamma,  she  will  have  to  punish  you."  She  looked  at  me 
earnestly,  attracted  by  the  tone  of  my  voice,  which  was  very  de 
cided;  but  she  did  not  seem  to  know  what  punishing  meant. 
"  Will  you  come  ?  "  I  repeated.  She  shook  her  head  decidedly. 
I  went  to  her  and  taking  her  hand  struck  it  with  mine.  Oh,  dear, 
how  it  made  my  heart  ache  !  Her  lip  quivered,  and  then  she 
burst  out  afresh.  Both  the  command  and  the  punishment,  I  had 
to  repeat  five  or  six  times ;  but  at  length,  when  I  resumed  my  seat 
and  asked,  "  Now  will  my  little  Pauline  come  to  mamma  ?  " 

She  ran  and  threw  herself  into  my  arms.  The  contest  was  over. 
I  carried  her  back  two  or  three  times,  and  then  called  her,  when 
she  readily  obeyed.  Now  I  could  act  out  the  impulses  of  my 
heart ;  I  kissed  her,  and  wept  over  her.  Then  I  pressed  her 
tightly  in  my  arms,  while  I  told  her  mamma  was  sorry,  her  little 
girl  had  been  so  naughty.  She  took  her  apron  to  wipe  away  my 
tears,  and  seeing  me  still  weep,  she  sobbed  aloud. 

When  she  became  composed,  I  carried  her  to  mother,  where, 
though  her  lip  still  quivered,  she  was  Pauline  again.  She  kissed 
them  all,  and  told  them,  "  mamma  sorry,"  which  she  repeated  to 
papa,  and  Ann.  My  grief  made  a  great  impression  upon  her  ten 
der  heart. 

I  know,  dear  mother,  you  will  sympathize  with  me  in  this  trial. 
I  think,  however,  it  will  do  the  child  good.  Frank  remarked  at 
dinner,  that  I  looked  very  pale,  and  I  certainly  felt  worse  for  the 
excitement ;  but  he,  and  all  the  rest,  rejoiced  with  me  in  the  happy 
termination.  Pauline  sobbed  a  long  time  after  she  was  asleep ; 
but  this  afternoon  she  has  been  like  a  little  lamb,  coming  every 


68  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

time  she  looked  up  from  her  play  and  met  my  eye,  to  give  me  a 
sweet  kiss. 

Saturday,  June  20th. 

This  morning  I  went  to  the  village,  and  though  I  trembled  for 
my  daughter,  lest  the  scene  of  yesterday  should  be  repeated,  she 
behaved  well ;  and  I  promised  her  a  ride  this  afternoon  with  papa. 
Did  I  tell  you,  I  had  taught  her  to  say  "  Papa  ?  "  I  had  no  idea 
of  being  her  only  parent. 

During  the  forenoon,  I  received  a  very  pleasant  call  from  Lucy 
Lee,  the  daughter  of  Squire  Lee,  our  richest  citizen,  who  made 
his  money,  as  I  have  told  you,  by  his  distillery.  She  is  a  beauti 
ful  girl,  modest  and  sweet  in  her  manners,  but  looked  to-day  very 
pale  and  careworn.  My  thoughts  recurred  to  what  I  had  heard 
of  her  domestic  trials.  I  was  glad  she  was  unaccompanied  by 
her  brother,  who  is  very  disagreeable  to  me  with  his  talk  of  "  our 
place,  our  horses,  our  store."  It  seems  hardly  possible  that  he 
can  be  her  own  brother. 

Lucy  is  said  to  be  like  her  mother,  now  deceased.  Joseph  is 
like  his  father,  and  has  been  so  much  indulged,  especially  since 
his  mother's  death,  that  he  is  now  the  master.  Emily  says  the 
whole  family  are  afraid  of  him  ;  and  that  Lucy,  with  whom  she  is 
intimate,  lives  a  very  sad  life  in  the  midst  of  all  their  splendor. 

I  invited  the  dear  girl  to  come  to  tea  next  week,  to  which  she 
cheerfully  consented.  I  hope,  by  that  time  Emily  may  be  down 
stairs. 

This  afternoon  I  persuaded  mother  to  take  my  place  with 
Frank  for  a  drive.  She  has  confined  herself  closely  for  the  last 
week.  Pauline  was  delighted  to  accompany  them,  though  she 
did  not  like  to  leave  mamma.  I  took  my  sewing  into  sister's 
room,  where  we  were  soon  busy  in  conversation.  After  a  little 
time,  she  interrupted  me,  as  I  was  beginning  a  remark,  "  Cora,  I 
want  to  say  something  to  you  while  mother  is  gone.  I  wish  your 
advice  and  assistance." 

"  Well,  dear  Emily,  it  is  very  easy  to  give  advice  ; "  but  while 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIPE.  69 

I  spoke,  my  heart  began  to  beat  very  fast.  I  feared  it  would  be 
something  about  Mr.  Benson,  and  then  the  truth  concerning  him 
would  have  to  be  told. 

Emily  suddenly  covered  her  face  with  her  handkerchief,  "  1 
have  treated  him  shamefully." 

«  Who  ?  " 

She  looked  at  me  as  if  she  wondered  that  I  should  not  know  of 
whom  she  was  speaking,  and  could  not  bear  to  mention  his  name. 
As  I  still  looked  inquiringly,  she  added, "  Mr.  Benson,"  and  blushed 
crimson.  "  He  made  proposals  of  marriage  to  me  the  evening  after 
our  ride  to  Waverley,  and  I  indignantly  refused  him.  I  treated  him 
as  no  lady  should  treat  a  gentleman  under  such  circumstances, 
even  if  she  cannot  love  him.  But  I  did  love  him !  I  do  love 
him  now ! !  "  she  repeated  earnestly,  again  hiding  her  face. 

'•  Then  why,  dearest  Emily,  did  you  treat  him  so  cruelly  ?  I 
think  you  were  very  much  in  the  wrong." 

"  I  know  it,  I  confess  it,"  she  replied,  beginning  to  weep. 

"  I  can't  understand  you,  Emily.  You  loved  him  dearly  ? " 
She  bowed  her  head  ;  u  and  yet  refused  him  with  scorn  ?  "  She 
bowed  her  head  still  lower.  "  Why  ?  "  I  again  asked. 

"Because,"  she  said  passionately,  "he  seemed  so  certain  I 
should  make  a  courtesy,  and  say  '  Yes,  sir,  I  thank  you.'  I  sup 
pose  he  expected  I  should  fall  right  into  his  arms  the  moment  he 
gave  me  leave.  I  loved  him  when  he  was  away,  yet  there  was 
something  in  his  manner  toward  me  which  roused  all  my  pride, 
and  more  ugly  feelings  than  I  knew  I  possessed.  He  showed  his 
love  too  openly,  as  if  he  were  sure  of  success." 

"  I  thought,"  said  I  with  a  smile,  "  that  you  wished  the  one  you 
married  to  be  very  loving  and  often  assure  you  of  his  love." 

"  Pooh  ! "  said  she,  trying  to  laugh,  "  that  was  all  my  nonsense. 
I  would  rather  a  dozen  times,  that  he  would  be  like  Frank. 
Now  he  almost  worships  you  ;  but  he  is  not  always  talking  about 
it,  and  showing  it  in  such  silly  ways."  I  now  began  to  blush  in 
earnest  «  But  it  is  foolish  to  talk  of  all  this  now.  The  die  is 


70  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

cast,  and  I  have  no  one  but  myself  to  blame.  I  have  been  think 
ing  it  all  over,  and  have  brought  down  my  pride  to  asking  his  for 
giveness  for  my  haughty  manner  ;  mind,  I  say  for  the  manner  of 
my  refusal.  But  it  has  cost  me  a  hard  struggle." 

"What  made  you  treat  him  so  the  night  he  called  when  you 
were  sick  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know,"  she  replied,  sadly  ;  "  I  believe  I  was  pos 
sessed  with  some  evil  spirit,  If  he  had  come  in  an  hour  earlier, 
he  would  have  found  me  humble  enough." 

"  Did  you  expect  him  ?  " 

"  I  half  expected  he  would  call,"  covering  her  face  to  hide  her 
blushes.  "  But  my  mind  was  all  worked  up,  and  my  head  ached 
so,  and  —  and  I  thought  he'd  think  I  was  mourning  for  him.  But 
I've  suffered  enough  for  my  foolish  pride." 

"Poor  girl!"  I  thought ;  "if  she  knew  what  I  do,  she  would 
suffer  more."  "  Emily,"  said  I,  rising  and  taking  her  hand,  "  I 
pity  you  sincerely ;  but  I  cannot  help  telling  you,  I  think  you 
have  been  greatly  to  blame." 

"  Well,  I'm  willing  to  hear  that  from  you ;  and  I  have  ac 
knowledged  it." 

"  In  the  first  place,"  I  continued,  "  it  was  entirely  your  imagi 
nation  with  regard  to  him.  His  manner,  as  far  as  I  saw  it,  was 
uniformly  respectful  and  tender,  perhaps  too  openly  the  latter  to 
suit  my  taste  ;  but  not  the  least  bordering  on  undue  confidence 
in  your  attachment.  Indeed,  I  thought  he  did  not  sufficiently 
respect  himself,  and  was  too  distrustful.  Then  I  can't  understand 
how  you  could  love  him,  and  yet  give  him  such  pain.  You  saw 
how  very  pale  he  looked." 

"  Oh,  don't  repeat  it !  I  have  thought  of  nothing  else  ;"  and 
the  poor  girl  wept  bitterly.  Suddenly  she  looked  up,  as  she 
heard  the  carriage,  and  trying  to  wipe  away  her  tears,  said 
quickly,  "  Kot  a  word  of  all  this  for  the  world.  I  want  you  to 
charge  of  a  note  from  me,  and  send  it  to  him." 
iVhen  shall  you  write  it  ?  " 


71 

"  Some  time  next  week,"  she  answered,  putting  her  finger  on 
her  lip,  as  she  heard  mother  at  the  door. 

I  was  glad  to  escape  from  the  room;  and  ran  down  to  take 
Pauline  from  papa.  My  head  was  all  in  a  whirl.  I  am  glad  I 
did  not  promise  secrecy,  for  I  must  tell  Frank  the  first  chance  I 
get.  He  will  know  what  to  do. 

Sabbath  Evening,  June  21st. 

I  remained  at  home  with  sister  this  morning,  while  mother 
went  to  church.  It  is  a  rainy  day.  I  suppose  we  ought  to  be 
thankful,  for  the  earth  was  very  dry  and  dusty ;  but  I  do  love  a 
pleasant  Sabbath.  This  afternoon  I  went  with  Frank  to  church, 
and  from  thence  to  the  house  of  Mr.  Lewis.  Mr.  Munroe  and 
Deacon  Jackson  rode  with  us,  and  after  the  horse  had  been 
driven  under  a  shed,  we  all  proceeded  to  the  sick  room,  the 
deacon  carrying  with  him  a  basket  containing  the  sacred  ele 
ments. 

One  of  the  tenants  of  the  house  had  opened  her  room  opposite, 
for  the  convenience  of  the  company ;  and  I  was  surprised  as  I 
passed  up  the  stairs  to  see  that  it  was  crowded  with  people ; 
many  of  them,  I  suppose,  members  of  the  church  who  came  in 
to  unite  in  the  ordinance. 

A  clean  white  linen  cloth  was  spread  over  the  table  at  the  foot 
of  the  bed,  upon  which  Deacon  Jackson  placed  two  cups  of  wine 
and  a  plate  of  bread,  covering  the  whole  with  a  napkin.  In  the 
midst  of  intense  feeling,  I  noticed  all  this,  with  pleasure,  as  evi 
dence  of  the  reverence  and  awe  with  which  he  handled  the 
elements  which  were  to  represent  the  body  and  blood  of  our 
Lord. 

The  poor  dying  man,  in  clean  clothing,  lay  on  his  bed  with 
everything  about  him  spotless  and  white  as  snow.  Though  he 
looked  exceedingly  pale,  yet  there  was  an  elevation  and  glory  in 
his  face,  which  showed  that  his  soul  had  communion  with  his 


72  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

Saviour,  and  that  the  gracious  Spirit  was  strengthening  him  for 
this  solemn  occasion. 

Though  it  rained  very  hard,  yet  the  window  near  the  bed  was 
open  to  give  the  poor  man  fresh  air,  while  his  wife  stood  near 
him  with  a  fan.  I  was  affected  to  see  that  she  had  reserved  two 
seats  near  the  bed  for  the  Doctor  and  myself.  Mr.  Munroe  occu 
pied  a  place  at  the  door  that  he  might  be  heard  in  both  apart 
ments.  Frank  gently  moved  one  of  the  chau-s  toward  her, 
motioned  her  to  sit  in  it,  and  stood  by  my  side. 

The  solemn  service  commenced  with  an  invocation,  after  which 
the  covenant  and  creed  of  the  church  were  read,  and  heartily 
responded  to  by  the  invalid,  if  I  may  judge  from  his  rapt  atten 
tion  ;  then  a  short  prayer  consecrating  the  elements,  which  were 
distributed.  The  Doctor  took  the  cup  from  Deacon  Jackson,  and 
gently  raising  the  sick  man,  held  it  to  his  lips.  There  was  truly 
a  sublime  expression  on  his  countenance.  With  uplifted  hands, 
he  whispered,  "  Dear  —  dear  —  Jesus  —  died  —  for  —  me  — 
glory  —  immortal  —  GLORY  ! ! " 

In  a  moment  the  expression  changed,  and  Frank,  who  was 
closely  watching  him,  stepped  to  Mr.  Munroe,  and  told  him  he 
feared  Mr.  Lewis  would  faint.  The  clergyman  immediately  pro 
nounced  the  benediction,  and  requested  the  friends  quietly  to 
withdraw. 

I  stepped  to  the  backside  of  the  room,  while  the  Doctor  opened 
the  other  windows  for  a  moment  to  change  the  air,  and  with  the 
help  of  strong  restoratives,  the  patient  soon  revived,  and  was 
able  to  swallow  a  little  of  the  wine  and  water  the  Doctor  had 
prepared.  I  went  toward  the  bed  to  bid  him  farewell,  doubting 
whether  I  should  ever  see  him  alive  again.  He  looked  at  me 
affectionately  and  gratefully,  and  pointed  up,  as  if  he  would  ask 
me  to  meet  him  in  heaven.  I  pressed  his  cold  hand  to  my  lips 
and  silently  left  the  room. 

Mrs.  Lewis  followed  us  to  the  door,  where  she  to.ok  Frank's 


OK,   KEVELATIOXS    OF    A    PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  73 

hands  in  both  of  hers,  and  burst  into  tears.  The  most  ardent  de 
sire  of  her  soul  for  her  poor  dying  husband  had  been  realized ; 
her  prayers  for  years,  answered ;  and  though  he  was  to  be  taken 
from  her,  she  trusted  she  should  meet  him  in  a  better  world,  to 
part  no  more. 

I  was  deeply  solemnized  and  impressed  by  this  scene.  It  is 
the  first  time  my  dear  husband  and  I  have  together  tasted  the 
memorials  of  our  Saviour's  love.  I  think  I  shall  not  soon  for 
get  it. 

Monday  Morning,  June  22d. 

Mr.  Lewis  breathed  his  last  this  morning  soon  after  eight 
o'clock.  The  Doctor  reached  there  a  few  moments  after,  and 
made  all  the  arrangements  for  the  funeral,  which  is  to  be  on 
Wednesday  afternoon  in  the  chapel  near  the  church. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

"  Oh !  'tis  the  heart  that  magnifies  the  life, 
Making  a  truth  and  beauty  of  its  own'-' 


\VORDSWOKTH. 


Monday  Evening. 

EMILY  is  so  much  better,  we  think  she  can  go  down  stairs  to 
morrow.  As  I  have  had  no, suitable  opportunity  to  talk  with 
Frank,  I  have  avoided,  when  with  her,  the  subject  of  our  late 
interview. 

I  went  with  my  husband  this  afternoon  to  visit  the  most  charm 
ing  old  lady  I  have  ever  seen.  I  wish  you  could  see  her ;  she  is 
over  eighty,  but  just  as  fair  as  a  young  girl,  and  from  her  being 
of  full  habit,  she  has  scarcely  a  wrinkle  on  her  face.  She  has  the 
most  gentle,  loving  blue  eyes,  and  her  gray  hair  is  nicely  combed 
down  under  a  plain  muslin  cap.  Many  a  young  girl  might  be 
envious  of  the  beautiful  peach  bloom  of  her  cheeks.  But  these 
are  not  her  greatest  charms.  It  is  her  manner,  her  heart  over 
flowing  with  love  to  all.  I  believe  everybody  loves  her,  because 
she  loves  everybody ;  and  she  doesn't  hesitate  to  show  it.  She  is 
the  mother  of  Mrs.  Squire  Wilson,  to  whom  the  Doctor  was  call 
ed  for  a  sprained  ancle.  I  could  soon  understand  why  he  was  so 
pleased  to  take  me  there  with  him. 

When  she  heard  the  carriage,  Mrs.  Low,  or  "  Aunt  Susy,"  as 
every  one  calls  her,  came  to  the  door,  and  shading  her  eyes  from 
the  sun  with  her  hand,  stood  looking  until  the  Doctor  alighted. 


REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  75 

"  Well  now,  Dr.  Frank,  that's  you,"  (she  had  known  him  from 
a  baby,)  "  1  reckoned  you'd  be  here  befoi'e  long." 

Frank  led  the  horse  to  the  steps  and  lifted  me  out. 

"  Who's  that,  now,  you've  got  with  you  ?  "  she  asked,  looking  at 
me. 

"  Somebody  else  for  you  to  love,"  said  he  laughing,  for  she  had 
taken  possession  of  his  hands. 

She  started,  and  holding  me  by  the  shoulders  in  a  most  loving 
way,  said,  "  La,  now,  Doctor !  this  'ere  little  thing  don't  b'long  to 
you,  does  she  ?  Is  she  your  wife,  I  heard  tell  about  ? "  at  the 
same  time  she  gave  me  a  most  hearty  squeeze. 

Frank  laughed  as  he  bowed  his  assent. 

"  I  reckoned,"  she  added,  "  you'd  pick'd  out  one  a  proper  sight 
older'n  this  little  gal,  you  was  allus  so  stiff." 

As  she  continued  to  press  me  in  her  arms,  and  then  push  me 
off  to  look  again,  my  husband  began  to  look  as  if  he  was  afraid 
he  never  should  get  me  away  again.  All  this  time  with  a  true 
delicacy,  she  had  not  kissed  me,  as  if  she  were  not  sure  I  would 
like  to  be  kissed  by  so  old  a  person.  But  I  soon  relieved  her  on 
this  point,  and  then  we  all  walked  into  the  sitting-room  where 
her  daughter,  who  was  evidently  used  to  such  scenes,  was  patient 
ly  awaiting  us.  After  being  introduced  to  Mrs.  Wilson,  whom  I 
recognized,  (as  I  had  met  her  at  mother's  levee,)  the  Doctor  pro 
ceeded  to  examine  her  ancle.  Aunt  Susy  and  I  took  seats  on  the 
little  sofa  which  was  covered  with  bright  chintz.  She  sat  very 
close  to  me,  and  with  a  press  of  my  hand  which  she  held,  she  mo 
tioned  with  her  head  toward  the  Doctor,  saying  in  "what  she 
meant  for  a  whisper,  "  he's  a  real  nice  man  to  live  with,  I'll  be 
bound."  I  only  laughed  and  nodded. 

"  Them  stiddy  ones,  sometimes  turns  out  the  greatest  rogues," 
she  continued  in  a  comforting  tone,  "  now  I  calculated,  he'd  court  a 
prim,  proper  kind  of  a  woman,  a  reglar  old  maid,  that'ud  be  com 
pany  for  his  mother ;  but  there's  no  telling  what  people  will  do, 
times  changes  so,  since  I  was  a  gal." 


76  CORA  AND    THE   DOCTOK; 

I  was  well  convinced  by  the  spasmodic  motion  about  Dr. 
Frank's  mouth,  that  he  was  not  so  absorbed  in  the  examination 
of  Mrs.  Wilson's  foot  that  he  did  not  hear  every  word  of  this 
confidential  talk,  I  therefore  thought,  I  would  try  to  change  the 
subject  of  conversation.  As  I  could  think  of  nothing  else,  I  told 
her  what  a  dear  little  girl  I  had  found.  She  was  almost  breath 
less  with  interest,  and  when  I  stopped  she  said :  — 

"  Now  I  never  heard  the  cap  to  that !  Now  do  tell  if  you're 
gone  to  keep  her  for  your  own,  or  if  you're  gone  to  kind  o'make  a 
servant  of  her  ?  " 

"  Oh,  no  indeed ! "  I  answered  quickly,  "  Frank  loves  her  as 
well,  or  almost  as  well  as  I  do,  and  we  have  adopted  her  for  our 
own." 

"  And  she's  nothin  to  you,  by  blood  I  mean  ?  " 

"  Oh,  no,  we  don't  know  whose  child  she  is." 

"  Well,  that  is  the  beater  ! "  she  exclaimed,  and  for  the  child's 
sake  I  suppose,  gave  me  another  squeeze  and  kiss. 

"  Betsey,"  said  she  to  her  daughter,  "  Did  you  ever  hear  tell 
what  Dr.  Frank's  been  and  done  ?  " 

"  No,  mother." 

"  Well,  he'd  no  more'n  got  his  little  young  wife  safely  housed, 
than  he  was  so  impatient  for  a  darter,  that  he  went  and  picked 
up  one  out  of  the  streets,  and  gin  to  her  to  take  care  on." 

The  Doctor  and  I  laughed  heartily  at  this  curious  exposition 
of  our  domestic  affairs,  while  she  evidently  thought  she  had  stated 
the  case  exactly.  She  ended  with,  "  There  now,  I  never  was 
so  beat.  To  think  of  Dr.  Frank  starting  off  on  sich  a  rig.  How 
ever,  I  hope  good  luck'll  come  on't,  and  mabby  you  '11  soon  find 
out  who  the  child  b'longs  ter." 

"  Oh  !  no,"  said  I,  interrupting  her,  "  that  is  the  only  thing  I'm 
afraid  of,  I  couldn't  give  her  up." 

"  Look  there,  now  ! "  said  Aunt  Susy,  turning  in  surprise  to  the 
Doctor,  "  an't  it  mazin  how  these  young  critters  takes  to  chil 
dren." 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OP   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  77 

We  both  rose  to  go ;  but  she  just  took  my  hands,  and  set  me 
down  again.  "  Sit  right  there,  till  I  bring  you  some  luncheon." 

I  told  her  I  preferred  not  taking  any ;  but  she  would  hear  no 
excuse.  She  went  out  into  the  kitchen,  and  very  soon  brought  a 
waiter,  covered  with  a  clean  napkin,  holding  two  tumblers  of  rich 
milk,  and  some  nice  sponge  cake.  It  was  really  delicious.  Mrs. 
Wilson  addressed  a  few  words  to  me  ;  but  I  was  not  at  all  drawn 
to  her  as  to  her  mother.  The  Doctor  says  she  is  a  woman  pos 
sessed  of  a  very  good  mind,  and  has  been  a  great  reader,  but  has 
never  had  children  to  develop  her  affection  and  modify  her 
character. 

When  we  had  disposed  of  the  lunch,  and  Frank  had  given  his 
directions  to  his  patient,  \ve  prepared  to  take  leave,  receiving  one 
or  two  extra  kisses,  and  a  good  squeeze  of  the  Doctor's  arm  for 
his  part. 

"  Bring  her  here  when  you  come  again,"  said  the  old  lady, 
pointing  to  me.  "  She 's  a  pootty  critter."  Aunt  Susy  is  a  little 
deaf,  and  seems  to  think  everybody  else  so.  "  I  think  so  too," 
whispered  Frank  in  her  ear,  loud  enough  for  others  to  have  the 
full  benefit,  when,  after  receiving  a  loving  pat  on  his  arm,  he 
jumped  into  the  carriage. 

1  told  the  Doctor  on  our  way  home,  how  disappointed  his  old 
friend  was,  that  he  had  not  married  a  more  suitable  person,  —  one 
that  could  be  a  companion  both  for  him  and  his  mother.  He 
laughed  so  heartily,  that  I  had  to  hush  him  several  times,  for  fear 
some  one  would  hear. 

"  Yes,"  he  said,  when  he  could  speak,  "  I  know  who  the  old 
lady  wanted  me  to  have  ;  but  in  the  choice  of  a  wife  I  intended 
to  suit  myself.  So  if  you  are  satisfied,  I  prophesy  she  will  soon 
be  reconciled." 

Now,  my  clear  mother,  if  you  have  any  idea  from  what  I  have 
written,  that  Aunt  Susy  has  anything  coarse  about  her,  I  have  not 
described  her  well  at  all.  She  is  truly  refined  in  her  feelings.  I 
wish  all  the  ladies  I  have  met  in  high  life  were  as  much  so.  She 

7* 


78  CORA.  AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

is  a  dear,  old-fashioned,  warm-hearted  woman  ;  and  it  makes  one's 
heart  warm  just  to  hear  her  name.  Mother  says,  her  husband  was 
one  of  the  most  highly  respected  men  in  the  state,  —  a  justice  of 
the  peace,  and  lived  independently  on  his  farm,  where  he  was 
monarch  of  all  he  surveyed.  Mrs.  Low  had  cousiderable  proper 
ty  which  she  has  made  over  to  her  daughter,  who  takes  care  of  her. 

Tuesday,  June  23d. 

This  has  been  a  very  warm  day,  and  I  have  not  been  out  of  the 
house,  though  I  wished  much  to  see  Caroline  Leighton.  She  is 
quite  comfortable  again,  and  sits  in  her  chair  two  or  three  hours 
at  a  time. 

Last  night  after  we  retired  to  our  room,  I  told  Frank  I  wanted 
to  ask  his  advice  upon  a  very  important  subject.  So  we  sat  down 
in  the  bright  moonlight,  while  I  told  him  about  Emily.  He  said 
not  a  word,  but  heard  me  with  interest.  I  fancy  he  controlled 
his  feelings,  as  he  frightened  me  so  much  the  other  night.  "  Now 
you  see,  Frank,"  I  said,  "you  did  Emily  injustice.  She  has  ac 
knowledged  she  did  wrong ;  and  she  intends  to  confess  it  to  Mr. 
Benson." 

"  Ahem ! "  was  all  the  reply. 

"  What  can  I  do  ?  "     No  answer. 

"After  all,"  said  he,  starting  up  to  walk  across  the  room,  « it  is 
quite  a  triumph  for  Emily  to  confess  her  error  to  him.  She  has 
her  full  share  of  the  Lenox  pride ;  and  we  all  have  enough  of 
it.  It  must  have  cost  her  a  great  struggle.  But  that  does  n't  help 
the  poor  fellow.  I  should  wish  no  farther  acquaintance  with  a 
lady  who  had  treated  me  so  rudely." 

Frank  seemed  to  be  soliloquizing,  and  I  interrupted  him  by 
asking  again,  "  My  dear  husband,  what  ghall  I  do  ?  " 

"  I  can  tell  you,  my  love,  what  I  shall  do,  very  quickly,"  he  re 
plied,  coming  and  taking  my  hand,  while  he  kissed  me  repeatedly. 
"  I  shall  love  you  with  all  my  heart  for  calling  me  by  so  dear  a 
name."  I  had  never  before  addressed  him  as  my  "  husband." 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  79 

I  felt  very  courageous  in  the  moonlight,  and  said, "  Why,  Frank, 
I  understood  you  to  say  nearly  a  year  ago,  that  you  had  lost  your 
heart.  Have  you  found  it  again  ?  " 

"  Not  exactly ;  but  I  've  found  the  warmest,  largest,  most  pre- 
•cious  heart,  to  put  in  its  place." 

"  But,"  said  I  after  a  moment,  "  to  return  to  Emily.  She  in 
tends  writing  a  note,  which  she  wishes  me  to  send." 

"  I  don't  see  how  that  can  be  done.  We  don't  know  where  to 
direct.  Did  he  mention  the  name  of  the  family  he  was  going 
with  ?  " 

"  Yes,  Mr.  Karswell,  a  merchant  in  New  York.  Mr.  Benson 
goes  with  his  son,  who  has  just  graduated,  or  is  about  to  graduate." 

"  Then  I  think  we  might  reach  him  through  his  patron.  Address 
it  to  the  care  of  C.  M.  Karswell  —  I  know  the  firm.  Charles  does 
not  leave  college  until  sometime  next  month.  I  suppose  arrange 
ments  will  be  made  for  them  to  sail  soon  after  his  graduation.  I 
will  confess  to  not  a  little  curiosity  to  read  Emily's  epistle.  Will 
she  show  it  to  you  ?  " 

« I  think  it  doubtful,"  I  replied. 


CHAPTER    IX. 

"He  loved  —  loved  keenly;  and  he  could  not  bow 
To  what  seemed  tyranny,  and  so  he  sought 
His  wonted  happiness,  at  least  the  bliss 
Of  mutual  tears,  and  vows  of  Jenderness, 
Never  to  leave  their  loves,  but  always  cling 
To  the  fixed  hope,  that  there  should  be  a  time, 
When  they  could  meet  unfettered,  and  be  blest 
With  the  full  happiness  of  certain  love.        PERCIVAL. 

Wednesday,  June  24th. 

I  FORGOT  to  mention  last  night  that  the  services  of  the  Doctor 
had  been  requested  at  the  Nabob's  mansion,  or  "  Lee  Hall,"  as 
Joseph  styles  it.  In  other  words,  when  Frank  went  to  his  office 
in  the  village  yesterday  morning,  he  found  the  following  request 
upon  the  tablet.  "  Will  Dr.  Lenox  call  at  Squire  Lee's  residence 
this  forenoon,  to  afford  medical  advice  and  relief?"  This  was 
written  by  Joseph  in  a  bold  flourishing  hand.. 

The  Doctor  called,  and  found  Lucy  was  the  patient.  Patient, 
she  certainly  was  in  one  sense  of  the  word,  though  not  much  sick. 
Frank  says,  her  trouble  is  beyond  his  reach.  It  is  sorrow  of  heart. 
Lucy  has  from  a  child  been  intimate  with  sister,  and  is  of  course 
well  acquainted  with  the  Doctor.  -When  he  kindly  enquired  the 
symptoms  of  her  complaint,  she  did  not  speak,  but  just  placed  her 
hand  upon  her  heart  with  a  sorrowful  expression.  He  asked  if 
there  was  nothing  he  could  do  for  her  relief.  She  shook  her  head 


REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  81 

with  such  a  woe  begone  look  that  he  was  deeply  moved.  He 
could  do  nothing  but  recommend  nourishing  food,  and  free  exercise 
in  the  open  air.  He  did  not  leave  until  she  promised  to  fulfil  her 
engagement  to  take  tea  with  us  on  the  morrow,  when  he  wishes 
us,  if  possible,  to  cheer  her  spirits  as  the  best  means  of  restoring 
her  health. 

Thursday,  June  25th. 

Directly  after  breakfast  I  went  with  the  Doctor  to  see  Caroline, 
and  spent  a  delightful  hour  in  reading  to  her,  and  in  conversation 
on  religion.  The  Bible  and  subjects  relating  to  it  are  her  meat 
and  drink. 

Directly  after  my  return,  I  wrote  a  note  to  Lucy  Lee,  begging 
her  to  come  to  us  at  an  early  hour ;  and  in  consequence  of  my 
invitation,  she  made  her  appearance  about  three  o'clock.  We 
were  all  moved  by  the  expression  of  meek  and  patient  endurance 
upon  her  lovely  countenance. 

I  purposely  left  her  alone  Avith  Emily,  for  I  thought  that  she 
might  talk  more  freely  _with  her,  and  perhaps  find  relief  from  her 
sympathy  and  affection.  I  had  just  returned  from  the  cottage 
with  Pauline,  where  mother  was  occupied  with  Ruth  in  preparing 
for  their  return,  when  Emily  requested  me  to  go  into  her  room,  to 
which  she  had  invited  Lucy,  that  they  might  be  free  from  interrup 
tion. 

I  found  Emily  in  a  state  of  great  excitement,  and  poor  Lucy 
with  her  handkerchief  to  her  face  silently  weeping. 

"  I  say,"  exclaimed  Emily  passionately,  "  it 's  a  disgrace  to  the 
town,  for  such  a  system  of  persecution  to  go  on,  as  has  been,  and 
is  still  pursued  toward  her,"  pointing  to  Lucy,  Avho  had  not  looked 
up,  "and  not  have  it  inquired  into  and  prevented."  Emily  had, 
for  the  time,  forgotten  her  own  trials,  in  her  indignation  at  the 
greater  ones  of  her  friend. 

I  sat  down  by  the  weeping  girl,  putting  my  arm  around  her 
waist.  She  thanked  me  by  a  press  of  the  hand,  while  Emily, 


82  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

who  sat  in  a  rocking-chair  opposite,  (she  was  too  excited  to  keep 
still  a  moment,)  continued,  "  Only  think,  •  Cora,  of  that  rascally 
fellow  Joseph."  Poor  Lucy  looked  imploringly. 

"  Excuse  me,,  poor  girl ;  but  much  as  I  love  you,  I  have  always 
detested  your  brother.  He  has  nothing  of  the  gentleman  about 
him.  But  I  never  could  have  believed  he  would  have  acted  so 
cruelly." 

I  had  been  waiting  in  vain  to  hear  the  occasion  of  this  ebullition 
of  feeling ;  and  I  interrupted  my  indignant  sister,  by  saying, 
"  You  forget,  Emily,  that  I  know  nothing  of  the  circumstances." 

She  then  gave  me,  in  substance,  the  following  narrative : 

From  a  child,  Lucy  has  been  attached  to  Allen  Mansfield.  In 
fact,  they  can  hardly  remember  the  time  when  they  did  not  love 
each  other.  While  Mrs.  Lee  lived,  all  went  on  well ;  and  although 
a  very  gentle,  loving  woman,  she  exerted  a  considerable  influence 
over  her  husband,  and  persuaded  him  to  consent  to  their  early 
betrothal.  Allen's  father,  Mr.  Mansfield,  is  a  merchant  in  this 
place,  carrying  on  a  prosperous  business  ;  and,  at  the  time  of  their 
engagement,  his  son  was  considered,  in  point  of  wealth,  a  suitable 
match  for  Lucy.  Allen  was  everything  her  mother  desired  ; 
honorable,  upright  and  virtuous,  of  generous  heart,  and  noble 
principles.  More  than  all,  he  and  his  beloved  were  united  in  the 
most  enduring  tie  of  Christian  friendship,  and  had  together  made 
a  public  profession  of  religion. 

Since  that  time,  however,  Squire  Lee,  by  means  of  his  horrible 
traffic  in  ardent  spirits,  has  added  house  to  house  and  farm  to 
farm,  until  he  has  been  easily  persuaded  by  his  son,  that  his  only 
daughter  ought  to  look  higher  in  her  choice  of  a  husband.  Not 
that  brotherly  affection  was  so  strong  in  Joseph.  Dislike  to  Allen 
was  his  ruling  motive.  They  had  been  schoolmates  ;  and  though 
from  love  to  the  gentle  sister,  Allen  had  tried  to  show,  at  least, 
kindness  to  her  brother,  yet  he  could  not  always  conceal  his  dis 
pleasure  at  Joseph's  conduct.  A  slight  or  neglect  this  haughty 
young  man  never  forgot.  He  only  waited  his  time  to  make  sure 


OR,   KEVELATIOXS    OF    A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  83 

his  revenge.  Since  Allen's  intimacy  with  the  family,  he  had  in 
deed  treated  him  with  outward  politeness  ;  yet  he  hated  him  on 
account  of  his  strong,  and  oft  expressed  disapprobation  of  the 
course  he  was  pursuing,  and  the  character  of  his  companions.  In 
this  way  he  had  gradually  worked  his  mind  into  such  a  state,  that 
there  was  no  calamity  too  great  for  him  to  visit  upon  Allen,  had 
it  been  in  his  power. 

Such  was  their  relation,  when  it  occurred  to  the  poor  drunken 
creature,  (for  no  less  was  he  a  drunkard  because  his  wines  were 
imported  from  Europe  at  four  dollars  a  bottle  ;  and  his  Cogniac 
the  best  which  could  be  obtained,)  to  revenge  himself  upon  Allen 
by  depriving  him  of  Lucy.  He  neither  thought,  nor  cared  for 
the  sorrow  it  would  cause  her  loving  heart.  He  went  to  work 
with  a  zeal  worthy  of  a  better  cause.  By  speaking  in  a  disparag 
ing  tone  of  him  to  his  father,  he  gradually  led  him  to  view  the 
young  man  as  no  longer  suitable  in  rank  or  station  to  be  allied  to 
a  daughter  of  their  house. 

Poor  Lucy  !  At  first  she  gently  tried  to  defend  her  lover  from 
inuendoes,  and  insinuations  which  her  brother  took  care  should  be 
in  such  general  terms,  they  could  not  be  met  and  refuted.  Every 
one  is  aware  how  much  worse  than  an  open  accusation  are  impli 
cations  like  the  following:  —  "If  I  were  to  tell  what  I  know, 
Allen  Mansfield  would  be  hooted  out  of  good  society.  He  is 
called  clever,  but  I  would  n't  ensure  his  honor  nor  his  virtue." 

It  was  not  strange  that  Squire  Lee,  who  had  long  suffered  him 
self  to  be  guided ;  nay,  almost  governed  by  his  son,  and  who  was 
much  enfeebled  in  mind  by  the  free  use  of  brandy,  determined  to 
break  the  match,  nor  that  he  one  day,  when  he  had  drunk  so  much 
that  he  could  hardly  stand,  almost  broke  her  heart  by  commanding 
her  to  dismiss  Allen,  or  he  himself  would  do  it. 

The  wretched  girl  had  had  many  doubts  and  misgivings 
whereunto  these  things  would  grow,  and  had  shed  many  bitter 
tears  in  secret;  but  as  she  had  no  idea  of  the  extent  of  her 


84  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

brother's  malice,  nor  of  the  strength  of  his  determination  upon 
revenge,  she  had  never  conceived  so  dreadful  a  result. 

For  a  week,  she  was  obliged  to  keep  her  bed,  being  almost 
overwhelmed  with  sorrow.  Dear  girl !  the  thought  never  entered 
her  mind  that  it  could  be  possible  to  resist  so  unjust  a  sentence. 
Allen,  however,  was  of  different  temperament.  Naturally  gentle 
and  kind,  yet  when  his  indignation  was  roused,  he  had  the'courage 
of  a  lion. 

Having  heard  that  Lucy  was  sick,  he  hastened  to  inquire  for 
her.  It  so  happened  that  he  went  to  the  house  when  Squire  Lee 
was  alone,  and  more  than  usually  under  the  influence  of  reason. 
Though  he  forbid  his  visiting  Lucy,  or  having  anything  more  to 
say  to  her,  as  he  expressed  it,  yet  he  did  so  in  a  less  offensive 
manner  than  on  the  occasion  of  his  interview  with  his  daughter. 

The  consequence  was  that  the  young  man  did  not  feel  called 
upon  to  obey  him,  but  in  a  day  or  two  called  again,  having  waited 
in  vain  for  an  answer  to  several  letters,  he  had  written  to  Lucy. 
On  this  occasion,  however,  his  visit  was  not  so  well  timed.  Joseph 
was  with  his  father,  who  had  not  yet  recovered  from  his  heavy 
potations  of  wine  and  brandy  at  dinner,  and  who,  therefore,  was 
easily  strengthened  by  his  son  in  his  cruel  purpose. 

A  dreadful  scene  ensued.  Allen,  whose  heart-interest  was  at 
stake,  determined,  for  the  sake  of  her  whom  he  loved,  to  be  re 
spectful  to  her  father.  But  he  was  not  prepared  to  withstand  the 
perfect  torrent  of  wrath  which  burst  upon  him.  When  he  entered 
and  inquired  for  Lucy,  Joseph  sneeringly  said,  "  My  sister  shall 
never  marry  a  mean  scoundrel  like  you." 

Paying  no  attention  to  this,  which,  however,  made  his  blood 
boil,  he  turned  to  the  old  gentleman,  saying,  "  You  surely  cannot 
be  in  earnest  in  trying  to  separate  your  daughter  and  myself. 
Your  deceased  wife  was  my  friend  ;  and  she  as  well  as  yourself 
gave  a  ready  consent  to  our  union."  In  the  midst  of  his  wrath 
Squire  Lee  was  a  little  softened  by  the  tone  and  manner  of  the 


OK,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  85 

young  man,  as  well  as  by  the  mention  of  his  wife,  whom  he  had 
loved  next  to  himself.  He  was  about  to  speak  more  kindly,  when 
Joseph,  perceiving  his  intention,  interrupted  him. 

"  Lucy  Lee  will  be  an  heiress ;  no  wonder  you  are  loath  to  give 
up  her  wealth." 

Allen  turned  deadly  pale  from  suppressed  emotion,  but  con 
trolling  his  feelings,  said,  "  Squire  Lee,  I  ask  again  the  hand  of 
your  daughter.  I  will  gladly  take  her  without  one  farthing  of 
your  hoarded  wealth." 

Joseph  whispered  something  in  his  father's  ear,  who  replied, 
"all  very  fine,  young  man  —  very  fine  talk"  (hiccough)  "indeed; 
but  you  —  can't  have  her.  You  see  "  (hiccough)  "  we've,"  with  a 
cunning  look  at  Joseph,  "  other  views  for  her." 

Allen  could  contain  himself  no  longer,  and  in  a  terrible  voice 
denounced  both  father  and  son  as  inhuman  and  brutal  in  their 
conduct.  "  The  time  will  surely  come,"  he  added,  "  when  you 
will  bitterly  regret  your  cruelty  toAvard  her,  and  your  abuse  of 
me." 

"VVei-e  these  prophetic  words  ? 

Joseph,  who  was  beside  himself  with  rage,  flew  at  Allen,  and 
aimed  a  violent  blow  at  his  head,  which  the  young  man  dexterously 
warded  off. 

Poor  Lucy,  who  had  been  attracted  by  the  noise  below,  sprang 
from  her  bed,  and  having  thrown  on  a  loose  robe,  rushed  wildly 
into  the  room.  All  stood  for  one  moment  speechless  with  aston 
ishment  at  her  presence,  and  frightful  pallor.  She  threw  herself 
at  her  father's  feet,  begging  him  not  to  break  her  heart.  She 
frantically  invoked  the  spirit  of  her  departed  mother  to  inter 
cede  for  her,  but  alas !  to  no  effect.  Squire  Lee  sat  motionless 
while  Joseph  in  a  fury  rang  the  bell,  and  said  to  the  porter,  "  turn 
that  rascal  out  of  the  house." 

Allen,  seeing  there  was  no  hope  for  him  or  his  dearly  beloved 
Lucy,  suddenly  caught  her  in  his  arms,  held  her  for  one  brief  mo 
ment  to  his  breast,  bade  her  farewell,  and  left  the  house.  There 


86  COKA   AND    THE    DOCTOU ; 

was  a  sincerity  in  his  grief,  a  dignity  in  his  manner,  which  made 
even  the  hard  hearts  of  both  brother  and  father  quail. 

Here  at  Emily's  request,  Lucy  continued  the  narrative.  "  I 
cannot  remember  what  immediately  followed ;  but  when  I  recov 
ered  my  consciousness,  I  was  in  my  own  room.  Mrs.  Burns  the 
house-keeper,  almost  my  only  friend  and  confidant,  stood  bathing 
my  hands  and  face.  From  that  time  I  gave  up  all  hope  of  hap 
piness  with  Allen,  though  he  has  never  ceased  to  write  me  the 
most  tender  letters,  urging  me  not  to  despair,  but  to  hope  on,  and 
hope  ever." 

"  Love  in  the  earnest  mind  is  not  a  dream, 
To  fade  in  sorrow,  or  grow  dim  by  age, 
But  a  most  true  outpouring  of  the  soul ; 
A  pledge  of  faith,  that  looking  from  the  past, 
And  through  the  present  —  sees  beyond  it  all 
Hope  unaffected  by  earth's  weary  change." 

"  I  have  never  written  in  reply,  but  have  sent  messages  of  un 
changeable  and  undying  love.  I  begged  Mrs.  Burns,  through 
whom  alone  we  could  communicate,  to  tell  my  dear  Allen,  that 
though  I  could  not  marry  him  in  defiance  of  my  father's  com 
mand  ;  yet  I  would  not  marry  another.  He  would  never  cease 
to  be  dearer  to  me  than  life." 

The  distressed  girl  wept  so  much,  that  Emily  resumed.  Weeks 
passed  on,  and  Joseph  encouraged  by  her  passive  obedience,  be 
gan  to  think  he  could  now  bestow  her  hand  to  his  own  advan 
tage. 

Among  the  vile  acquaintances  which  he  had  formed  in  a  neigh 
boring  city,  was  Mr.  "William  Arnold,  a  man  about  thirty  years 
of  age,  of  whose  elegant  dress  and  accomplishments  Joseph  was 
never  tired  of  talking.  He  was  often  at  the  house,  and  Lucy 
from  an  instinctive  feeling  of  dislike  avoided  him  as  much  as  pos 
sible.  She  was  obliged  to  meet  him  at  the  table,  and  to  treat 
him  with  civility  as  a  guest.  She  says  she  has  sometimes  ques- 


OK,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIANS   WIFE.  87 

tioned  herself  as  to  the  ground  of  her  prejudice  against  him.  He 
is  tall,  of  an  elegant  figure,  and  very  free,  easy  manners.  He 
converses  well,  and  has  rendered  himself  a  favorite  with  the  old 
gentleman ;  but  there  is  a  look  in  his  eye  which  she  says  cannot 
be  trusted.  Then  the  fact  of  his  being  so  intimate  with  her 
brother  is  strongly  against  him. 

But  when  Mr.  Arnold  began  to  exhibit  a  fondness  for  her  soci 
ety,  and  whispered  soft  nothings  in  her  ear,  she  says  "  she  abso 
lutely  loathed  him." 

"  His  passionate  eye,"  exclaimed  Lucy,  starting  from  her  seat 
in  great  excitement,  "  actually  makes  all  my  bones  to  shake.  I 
would  willingly. have  confined  myself  to  my  room  ;  but  this  I  was 
not  allowed  to  do.  My  father,"  she  added  with  a  deep  sigh,  "  no 
doubt  instigated  to  such  a  course  by  my  brother,  commands  me  to 
appear,  as  he  says  whatever  company  he  chooses  to  invite  to  the 
house  is  only  too  good  for  me.  I  pined  and  wept  in  secret,  but 
was  required  to  appear  cheerful  in  the  presence  of  my  now 
avowed  admirer." 

With  a  look  of  horror,  the  wretched  girl  said  "  I  had  rather  die 
than  marry  him."  She  acknowledged,  however,  that  she  dared 
not  openly  resist  her  brother's  wishes.  "  When  he  has  been  drink 
ing  he  is  — "  she  checked  herself,  "  very  unlike  a  brother,"  and 
she  shuddered  with  fear  at  the  thought. 

"  I  am  willing  to  give  up  Allen,  though  he  is  so  very  dear  to 
me ;  but  why  need  they  force  me  to  marry  this  vile  man."  She 
said  when  the  Doctor  called  she  longed  to  ask  his  advice ;  but 
fear  restrained  her ;  and  then  she  knew  it  could  do  no  good.  This 
was  said  almost  in  a  tone  of  despair. 

In  her  indignation,  Emily  was  for  sending  a  police  officer  to 
take  father  and  son  and  lock  them  up  in  jail.  I  was  silent  from 
astonishment ;  I  had  known  of  cases  in  France  where  children 
were  forced  to  marry  against  their  will ;  but  can  it  be  so,  thought 
I,  in  this  free  country  ?  Why  then  this  boast  of  liberty  ? 
I  am  so  much  interested  in  this  sweet  girl  that  I  have  given 


88  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

you  a  full  account  of  her  trials,  embracing  what  was  told  me 
during  this  interview,  and  what  I  learned  from  mother  and  Frank 
after  her  departure.  I  gave  the  poor  girl  all  my  sympathy,  while 
Emily  was  very  free  with  her  advice,  some  of  which  from  Lucy's 
shake  of  the  head,  I  foresaw  it  would  be  difficult,  if  not  impossi 
ble,  for  her  to  follow.  But  we  both  urged  her  to  be  firm  in 
refusing  to  give  her  hand  to  one  whom  she  did  not  respect,  and 
therefore  could  not  love.  In  this  advice  we  were  joined  by  my 
husband  and  mother. 

After  she  left,  we  sat  late  talking  about  Squire  Lee.  I  gath 
ered  from  what  they  said,  that  when  the  old  gentleman  first  came 
to  the  village,  he  was  a  poor  boy,  and  was  employed  as  a  clerk 
in  a  grocer's  store.  Being  a  shrewd,  active  lad,  he  had  worked 
his  way  up  to  be  a  partner  in  the  firm.  Then  he  married  his 
partner's  daughter,  at  which  time  they  increased  their  business, 
and  built  their  distillery.  This  proved  so  much  more  profitable 
than  their  grocery,  that  they  sold  out  their  store  and  devoted 
themselves  entirely  to  the  manufacture  of  New  England  rum. 

When  his  father-in-law  died,  the  whole  manufactory  and  trade 
fell  into  his  hands  ;  and  now  he  is  possessed  of  great  wealth.  It 
was  certainly  known  that  many  houses  and  farms  had  passed  into 
his  hands ;  and  that  a  large  number  of  families  had  been  reduced 
from  independence  and  comfort  to  beggary  through  their  connec 
tion  with  this  ruinous  business ;  this  soul-killing  establishment. 

Frank  said  his  father  had  often  remarked  the  deplorable 
effect  this  traffic  had  upon  the  mind  and  character  of  his  neigh 
bor.  From  being  apparently  a  kind  hearted  man,  he  had  gradu 
ally  become  hard,  unfeeling  and  inhuman.  Mammon  and  Bac 
chus  were  his  gods.  Personal  ease  and  domestic  tranquillity, 
neighbors  and  friends,  family  and  home,  his  body  and  his  soul,  he 
had  sacrificed  to  these  divinities. 

Friday,  July  3d. 
Great  preparations  are  making  for  the  celebration  of  the 


OR,  REVELATIONS    0V   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  89 

Fourth  of  July,  which  is  the  anniversary  of  the  national  inde 
pendence. 

1  really  think  Lucy's  visit  has  been  of  service  to  Emily  by 
taking  her  mind  from  herself.  She  gave  me  a  sealed  note  to-day 
directed  to  Rev.  Frederic  Benson,  which  Frank  has  enclosed  in 
a  wrapper  to  Mr.  Karswell. 

Saturday,  July  kth. 

On  many  accounts  this  has  been  a  trying  day  to  me.  I  sup 
pose  I  do  not  yet  feel  patriotic  enough  to  bear  the  noise  patiently. 
This  morning  we  were  awakened  with  the  first  streak  of  light,  by 
the  booming  of  cannons  on  a  neighboring  height.  My  poor  little 
Pauline  screamed  and  cried.  When  I  took  her  from  her  crib 
into  my  bed,  her  teeth  chattered  from  her  affright.  I  tried  to  talk 
with  her  and  soothe  her ;  but  in  truth  I  had  as  much  as  I  could 
do  to  calm  myself.  The  continued  roar  made  me  tremble  so 
much  that  I  could  easily  sympathize  with  the  frightened  girl. 

Doctor  Frank  expressed  much  sorrow  for  us,  and  would  gladly 
have  prevented  it,  if  possible  ;  but  he  said  there  was  no  help  for 
it  but  patience.  He  comforted  both  Pauline  and  myself,  by  say 
ing  he  would  hurry  through  his  morning  calls,  as  he  has  no  very 
sick  patients,  and  take  us  all  out  into  the  country  beyond  the 
reach  of  the  noise. 

After  an  early  dinner  we  started  to  rid  ourselves  of  the  noise  of 
cannons  and  bells,  which  were  to  commence  again  their  tumult  at 
noon.  We  had  a  delightful  ride  and  picnic  in  a  grove.  We 
carried  cold  chicken,  ham  and  condiments  in  a  basket,  and  spread 
them  out  on  a  cloth  under  the  trees.  Pauline  forgot  all  her 
troubles,  and  amused  us  much  by  her  gayety.  She  danced  and 
tried  to  sing  in  her  delight. 

When  she  was  tired,  she  went  to  Frank  and  turned  her  back 
for  him  to  lift  her  up.  He  pretended  not  to  know  what  she 
wanted,  so  as  to  have  the  pleasure  of  hearing  her  say,  "  please, 
papa,  take  Pauline."  It  is  really  amusing  to  watch  them  to- 


90  CORA  AND    THE    DOCTOR. 

gether.  She  goes  quite  as  a  matter  of  course  to  him  when  he 
sits  in  the  library,  and  asks  him  to  "  take  her,"  waiting  patiently 
for  half  an  hour,  it  may  be,  for  him  to  finish  reading  his  paper. 
Then  she  is  sure  of  a  frolic. 

It  often  makes  me  laugh  till  the  tears  run  down  my  cheeks,  to 
see  him  dancing  about  the  room,  with  Pauline  perched  upon  his 
shoulder,  holding  tightly  to  his  hair.  It  is  fortunate  for  the 
young  miss,  it  is  curly,  else  her  hold  would  not  be  quite  so  firm. 
I  wonder  what  Madame  Le  Row  or  Mademoiselle  Blanche  would 
say  to  see  Dr.  Lenox,  "the  graceful,  refined,  but  rather  too 
serious  Dr.  Lenox,"  capering  about  the  room  in  that  style. 

"  He  will  not  blush  that  hath  a  father's  heart, 
To  take  in  childish  plays  a  childish  part." 


CHAPTER   X. 

''If  a  soul  thou  would'st  redeem, 
And  lead  a  lost  one  back  to  God ; — 
Would'st  thou  a  guardian  angel  seem 
To  one  who  long  in  guilt  hath  trod, — 
Go  kindly  to  him,  —  take  his  hand 
With  gentlest  words  within  thine  own, 
And  by  his  side  a  brother  stand, 
Till  all  the  demons  thou  dethrone."        MKS.  c.  M.  SAWTEK. 

Monday,  July  6th. 

THIS  afternoon,  I  rode  out  with  Frank  to  visit  an  elegant  resi 
dence,  about  three  miles  distant.  The  house  stands  on  an 
elevation,  and  has  a  beautiful  lawn  in  front,  descending  toward 
a  small  lake  or  pond ;  on  the  shore  of  which  stands  a  neat  but 
tasteful  boat-house,  with  accommodations  for  boating  or  fishing. 

I  saw  a  young  girl  rowing  herself  in  a  light  skiff.  She  ap 
peared  to  me  to  be  about  to  upset  every  minute ;  but  Frank  told 
rne  it  was  an  Indian  canoe,  which,  being  very  light,  can  be  pad 
dled  about  with  great  ease  and  safety. 

On  our  return,  a  woman  came  to  the  door  of  her  house  and 
requested  the  Doctor  to  call  at  Jones's,  where  a  child  was  sick, 
intimating  that  she  wished  to  say  something  more,  but  did  not 
like  to  do  so  in  my  presence.  I  immediately  proposed  to  alight 
from  the  carriage  and  proceed  to  the  house  of  the  patient,  which 
was  but  a  few  steps  distant. 

Both  the  outer  and  inner  doors  were  open,  and  nothing  could 
be  more  appalling  than  the  sight  presented  to  my  view.  The 
room  itself  was  capable  of  being  made  comfortable,  if  proper 


92  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

care  had  been  bestowed  upon  it.  But  at  present  poverty  and 
filth  ruled  without  restraint. 

The  sick  child  lay  upon  a  tottering  bedstead,  which  was 
covered  with  pieces  of  carpet,  torn  quilts,  or  anything  which 
could  be  procured  from  the  floor  or  elsewhere.  A  part  of  an  old 
rag-mat  was  fastened  by  two  forks  to  the  window  at  the  side  of 
the  bed,  to  serve  the  double  purpose  of  keeping  out  the  wind  and 
light,  as  there  was  hardly  a  whole  pane  of  glass. 

Chairs  without  backs,  and  a  table  under  which  a  barrel  had 

^ 
been  pushed  to  serve  in  the  place  of  a  missing  leg,  made  up  the 

inventory  of  the  furniture.  On  the  floor,  in  the  farther  corner, 
lay  the  remnant  of  an  old  straw  bed,  and  upon  it  was  stretched 
in  brutal  unconsciousness  of  all  around  him  the  father  of  the 
family ;  the  husband  of  the  woman  who  was  weeping  over  the 
sick  child. 

I  announced  myself  as  the  wife  of  their  physician,  and  was 
received  by  her  in  a  way  which  led  me  to  suppose  she  had  seen 
better  days.  I  felt  of  the  little  hand,  lying  over  the  side  of  the 
bed,  and  found  it  burning  with  fever.  The  sufferer  lay  with  her 
eyes  and  mouth  partly  open,  and  her  hair  in  a  tangled  mat  about 
her  face  and  neck. 

"  How  long  has  she  been  in  this  stupor  ?  "  I  asked,  as  the  child 
took  no  notice  of  me. 

"  Since  early  in  the  morning." 

"And  have  you  given  her  no  medicine  ?  " 

"  Oh,  yes !  I  have  tried  to  force  down  a  little  spirit ;  but  her 
teeth  seemed  set,  so  that  she  could  not  swallow." 

I  was  never  more  rejoiced  than  to  see  Frank  enter,  as  he  did 
at  this  moment.  He  bid  the  woman  get  him  a  clean  cloth,  and 
some  warm  water.  The  latter  she  procured  from  a  neighbor's 
kitchen,  while  a  part  of  an  old  apron  sufficed  for  the  former. 

The  Doctou. then  proceeded  to  bathe  the  face,  neck,  and  arms 
of  the  child.  Afterwards  he  administered  a  cooling  draught, 
which  the  poor,  parched  mouth  eagerly  swallowed.  He  forbade 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  93 

Mrs.  Jones  to  give  her  any  spirit,  and  left,  promising  to  bring 
powders  for  the  night. 

As  \ve  rode  home,  my  heart  was  full  of  admiration  of  my  hus 
band,  while  shame,  that  disgust  had  rendered  me  useless,  and 
pity  for  the  suffering  family,  alternately  occupied  my  mind.  At 
length,  sympathy  prevailed,  and  I  said,  "  Frank,  I  shall  watch 
with  that  sick  child  to  night." 

"  Not  for  the  world  ! "  he  replied,  quickly  ;  and  then  continued, 
more  calmly,  "  The  child  will  do  well  enough ;  or  rather,  she  will 
not  be  the  one  to  require  most  attention.  I  wish  she  were  away 
from  there  ;  but  I  hardly  think,"  he  added,  after  a  pause,  "  it  will 
do  to  remove  her." 

"  What  do  you  mean  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  Did  you  not  see  the  man  lying  in  the  corner  ?  He  is  a  poor 
drunken  fellow  ;  and,  if  I'm  not  mistaken,  will  require  more  care 
than  the  child.  I  shall  engage  Mr.  Ferris,  a  kind  neighbor,  to 
watch  with  them." 

Perceiving  my  interest,  my  husband  gave  me  a  short  account 
of  the  family,  which  he  had  known  from  childhood.  "  When 
Esther  Holmes  was  married,  her  father  furnished  everything 
necessary  for  comfortable  housekeeping.  She  had  received  a 
good  common  education,  had  been  a  few  terms  to  an  academy, 
and  every  one  thought  her  well  and  happily  settled  in  life. 

"  Her  husband,  Thomas  Jones,  is  the  son  of  pious  parents ;  a 
capable  man  at  his  trade,  and  fully  equal  to  supporting  his  family 
in  comfort.  He  earns,  at  times,  a  good  deal  of  money  ;  but  it  is 
all  spent  for  rum.  Never  was  slave  more  under  the  influence  of 
a  tyrannical  master,  than  he  is  under  the  power  of  his  incessant 
appetite  for  intoxicating  drink. 

"  In  his  Bacchanalian  revels  and  fits  of  fury,  he  has  broken  and 
destroyed  the  furniture  until  now  scarcely  a  piece  remains. 
Sometimes,  after  an  attack  of  delirium  tremens,  he  endeavors  to 
reform,  and  works  steadily  for  two  or  three  months.  But  then 
he  is  again  overcome,  and  drinks  worse  than  ever.  His  wife  has 


V4  CORA.  AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

gradually  lost  all  hope,  and  seems  to  give  up  and  let  everything 
<TO.  I  fear  she  does  not  try  to  make  home  comfortable  and 
pleasant  to  him,  when  he  is  himself.  Everything  is  filthy  in  the 
•ixtreme.  It  is  only  as  a  matter  of  stern  duty  that  I  can  sit 
Jown  in  the  house. 

"  For  a  day  or  two  Jones  has  been  sick,  but  he  drinks  all  the 
lime,  he  is  awake  ;  and  I  fear  he  will  be  wild  to-night.  It  makes 
me  sick  at  heart  to  think  of  him.  He  has  some  noble  traits ;  but 
rum,  rum,  has  changed  him  from  a  kind  husband  and  a  tender 
Tather  into  a  creature  worse  than  a  brute. 

Tuesday,  July  7th. 

About  midnight  a  messenger  came  for  the  Doctor  to  hasten  to 
Jones.  The  watchers  could  do  nothing  with  him.  He  raved  and 
swore  that  devils  were  at  the  foot  of  the  bed,  waiting  to  catch  his 
soul,  and  cany  it  to  hell.  Frank  went  at  once  and  did  not  return 
until  near  daylight.  At  breakfast,  he  relieved  my  anxiety  for  the 
sick  child,  by  saying,  she  had  been  removed  to  a  room  in  the  other 
part  of  the  house,  and  was  now  much  better.  But  Thomas,  he 
said,  had  passed  a  dreadful  night.  He  had  seemed  to  suffer  the 
torments  of  the  lost.  He  enumerated  his  sins  from  his  childhood, 
disobedience  to  his  parents,  Sabbath  breaking,  profanity,  intem 
perance,  and  almost  every  form  of  iniquity.  These  came  up  to 
his  remembrance  with  the  distinctness  of  the  judgment.  Then 
he  told  how  he  had  turned  from  the  Saviour,  refused  His  offers 
of  mercy,  quenched  the  Spirit's  influence,  ruined  his  own  soul, 
and  the  souls  of  his  wife  and  children,  all,  ALL  for  RUM ! ! 

This  he  screamed  out ;  and  when  those  around  tried  to  soothe 
him,  he  said  that  he  would  scream  so  loud  that  every  drunkard  in 
town  could  hear.  "  If  ten  thousand  devils  pursue  me,"  shrieked 
the  insane  man,  "  I  will  warn  all  to  beware  of  RUM  ! !  " 

His  attendants  listened  in  wonder,  and  even  Frank  was  aston 
ished,  as  he  had  never  heard  him  talk  in  this  way  before.  Nor 
could  he  understand  it  until  this  morning,  when  Mrs.  Jones  told 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  ^6 

him  that  they  had  been  to  hear  the  new  minister  preach  ;  and  it 
appears  their  consciences  had  been  aroused  by  his  faithful  presen 
tation  of  truth. 

Afternoon. 

As  Frank  would  not  consent  to  my  visiting  little  Susan,  I  con 
tented  myself  with  making  her  some  nice  porridge  which  Ann 
carried  to  her.  My  husband  came  in  soon  after,  and  told  me  two 
men  could  not  hold  Thomas  in  bed  ;  and  they  had  been  obliged  to 
confine  his  arms.  He  knows  no  one  but  his  physician  ;  and  this 
afternoon  appealed  to  him  in  a  hoarse  whisper,  "  take  them  off," 
pointing  to  the  men  who  stood  at  the  side  of  the  bed.  "  Oh,  hide 
me  !  Hide  me  !  they  tear  my  soul ! 

The  Doctor  motioned  them  out  of  sight,  and  tried  to  soothe 
him.  "  Thomas,"  said  he  in  a  calm  voice, "  do  you  remember  when 
you  and  I  went  to  the  Sabbath  school  ?  " 

"  Yes,  oh  yes  !  "  gasped  the  poor  fellow. 

"  Where  did  Mr.  Goodrich  tell  us  to  flee  for  safety  ?  "  Thomas 
looked  up  eagerly,  but  made  no  reply. 

"  He  told  us  to  go  to  Christ.  He  would  save  us  from  all  our 
enemies." 

"  If  he  would  but  take  me  ;  but  oh,  he  wont ;  he  wont !  I  've 
been  too  wicked  ever  to  expect  that,"  and  hiding  his  head  under 
the  clothes,  he  cried  aloud.  Frank  succeeded  in  persuading  him 
to  take  some  medicine,  which  the  attendants  could  not  do,  because 
he  thought  they  meant  to  poison  him.  He  was  calmer  before 
Frank  left. 

Thursday,  July  3th. 

Last  evening,  my  dear  husband  hurried  through  his  calls,  and 
took  Mr.  Munroe  with  him  to  see  poor  Thomas.  He  found  him  so 
exhausted  by  the  violence  of  his  fits,  that,  unless  soon  relieved,  he 
cannot  live  long.  The  agony  of  his  mind  makes  him  much  worse 


96  CORA   AND   TIIE   DOCTOR; 

than  ever  before.  When  they  went  in,  he  had  fallen  asleep,  and 
they  sat  down  quietly  to  wait  until  he  awoke.  Frank  says,  as  he 
sat  by  the  bed  and  looked  at  the  miserable  man,  so  haggard  and 
ghastly,  he  prayed  that  God  would  have  mercy  upon  his  soul,  even 
at  the  eleventh  hour. 

When  Jones  awoke,  he  stared  around  him  a  moment,  as  if  try 
ing  to  remember  where  he  was,  while  the  Doctor  quietly  liberated 
his  right  hand,  with  which  he  immediately  covered  his  face.  After 
he  had  taken  some  gruel,  he  sighed,  but  would  not  speak. 

Frank  told  him  Mr.  Munroe  had  come  in  as  a  friend  to  see 
him.  He  suddenly  pulled  away  the  clothes,  and  said,  "  No,  he  '11 
mock  me  !  He  knows  how  wicked  I  am  !  The  last  time  I  went 
to  meeting  he  told  over  all  my  sins.  He  knows  I  can't  be  saved, 
and  he  '11  only  mock  me."  Here  the  poor  creature  burst  into  loud 
crying. 

Mr.  Munroe  moved  nearer,  and  took  Thomas's  hand  in  his ;  "  My 
poor  friend,"  said  he,  in  a  very  gentle  voice,  "  It  would  ill  become 
me,  a  sinful  creature  as  well  as  yourself,  to  make  a  mock  at  one 
for  whom  Christ  died.  J  have  come  to  remind  you  of  his  love, 
of  his  desire  for  your  salvation.  He  has  knocked  at  the  door  of 
your  heart  again,  and  again,  and  you  have  turned  away  from  his 
pleading  voice.  Will  you? — dare  you  turn  fi'oni  him  now? 
When  the  Holy  Spirit  is  striving  with  you,  will  you  resist  his 
gracious  influence  ?  " 

He  was  interrupted  by  loud  sobs,  and  Mrs.  Jones,  whom  they 
had  not  perceived,  hastened  from  the  room,  holding  her  apron  to 
her  face.  Thomas  had  not  noticed  the  interruption,  but  was  look 
ing  so  intently  at  Mr.  Munroe  that  the  Doctor  almost  feared  the 
excitement,  and  placed  his  fingers  on  the  brawny  wrist. 

But  our  good  pastor  perceived  the  workings  of  the  spirit,  and 
hoped  and  prayed  that  peace  and  joy  might  take  the  place  of  the 
dark  despair  which  was  killing  body  and  soul. 

No  one  spoke,  but  still  Thomas  gazed.     His  whole  mind  was 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A    PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  97 

filled  with  wonier.  At  length,  he  gasped,  rather  than  spoke,  "  I 
will,  1  will  receive  Him  as  my  Saviour,  but  oh,  it  is  too  late  ! " 

The  last  words  were  spoken  in  such  a  tone  of  utter  wretched 
ness  and  despair,  that  his  hearers  could  not  refrain  from  tears. 

"  Thomas,"  asked  Mr.  Munroe,  "  Do  you  remember  the  thief 
on  the  cross  ?  Up  to  the  moment  of  his  conversion  he  had  proba 
bly  reviled  his  Lord.  Take  care  then  that  you  do  not  limit  the 
power  of  the  Almighty,  whose  voice  of  mercy  saith  '  He  will  save 
to  the  uttermost  all  that  come  unto  Him.'  He  also  adds  for  your  en 
couragement,  'though  your  sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  white 
as  snow  ;  though  they  be  red  like  crimson,  they  shall  be  as  wool.'  " 

The  poor  man  looked  from  one  to  the  other,  as  if  exhausted  by 
the  dreadful  conflict  within  him,  and  said  in  a  broken  voice,  "  you 
will  not  deceive  me  with  hope,  when  God  has  left  me  to  despair." 

Frank  said,  "  While  there  is  life,  there  is  mercy  if  you  will 
believe ; "  and  not  wishing  to  prolong  the  interview,  they  knelt  in 
prayer.  The  poor  wife  came  in.  and  threw  herself  down  at  the 
foot  of  the  bed.  Mr.  Munroe  in  a  fervent  manner  commended 
them  to  God. 

He  prayed  that  from  eternity  they  might  look  back  upon  this 
hour  as  the  most  blessed  of  their  lives,  as  the  hour  when  they  had 
chosen  Jesus  for  their  Saviour,  and  heaven  for  their  everlasting 
home.  Before  he  arose  from  his  knees,  the  poor  humble  penitent 
said,  in  a  voice  choking  with  tears,  "  Lord,  I  believe.  Have  mercy 
upon  my  guilty  soul ! "  Mrs.  Jones  sobbed  aloud. 

From  earth  to  heaven  the  tidings  flew, 
Two  guilty  souls  are  born  anew. 

Friday,  July  lOt/i. 

This  morning  Doctor  Frank  has  been  to  see  Thomas.  I  waited 
with  no  little  impatience  for  his  return.  He  found  his  patient 
decidedly  better,  though  very  weak.  He  had  but  one  fit  during 
the  night,  and  that  much  less  severe  in  its  character.  He  had  a 

touching  expression  of  humility  which  made  him  look  like  a 

f 

different  man.     He  has  most  clear  views  of  the  sinfulness  of  his 

9 


98  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOK; 

own  heart,  and  of  the  abounding  grace  of  God  in  providing  a  Re 
deemer  for  one  so  vile. 

Frank  was  much  pleased  with  one  expression  he  used ;  "  I  dare 
not  hope  that  God  has  accepted  me ;  but  I  feel  willing  to  be  in 
his  hands.  He  knows  what  is  best  for  me.  I  feel  safe  to  trust 
him,  and  think  when  he  sees  how  strong  my  desire  is  to  do  right, 
he  will  help  me." 

Oh,  that  Thomas  may  be  able  to  withstand  temptation,  and  to 
bring  forth  fruits  meet  for  repentance.  I  hope  Christians  will 
encourage  him  and  pray  for  him.  I  was  grieved  this,  morning  to 
hear  a  professing  Christian  speak  distrustfully  of  the  change  in 
poor  Thomas,  and  say,  "  persons  in  delirium  tremens,  are  often 
very  pious,  but  when  they  recover,  their  goodness  vanishes  like 
the  morning  cloud,  and  early  dew." 

Surely  it  is  infinite  condescension  in  God  to  visit  the  abode  of 
drunkenness  and  filth  with  the  rich  blessings  of  salvation ;  but 
who  can  doubt  his  ability,  and  willingness  to  do  it  ? 

Monday,  July  13th, 

I  have  not  been  quite  well  for  a  day  or  two,  and  have  only  re 
ceived  permission  to  write  a  few  lines.  Frank  blames  himself  for 
allowing  me  to  do  so  much  ;  but  I  have  really  done  nothing  which 
could  injure  my  health.  The  weather  was  very  warm  yesterday. 
I  lay  upon  the  bed  the  greater  part  of  the  day.  Frank  insisted 
upon  staying  from  church  to  nurse  me  In  the  afternoon.  He  was 
obliged  to  visit  his  patients  in  the  morning.  It  is  quite  sickly 
now  in  the  town,  especially  among  children.  May  God  preserve 
our  dear  little  Pauline  ! 

After  her  return  from  church  in  the  afternoon,  madam  Phebe 
came  to  my  room  to  make  inquiries  about  my  health. 
«  Well,  Phebe,"  I  asked,  "  Did  you  enjoy  the  sermon  ?  " 
"  Oh,  yes,  missus,  ole  Phebe  hab  blessed  time.    Mass'r  Munroe 
quite  undo  hisself  dis  yer  day." 

"  Out  do  you  mean,"  said  I  laughingly. 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIPE.  99 

"  Laws  missus !  dere  aint  no  kinder  difference.  He  go  long 
farder  in  the  broad  road  dan  I  eber  heard  him  afore.  I  'spects, 
I'se  can  stand  de  meanin  if  I'se  don't  use  de  right  words." 

"  What  was  the  text  ?  " 

"  Dere  now,  I'se  can't  jist  tink  ob  de  text  all  in  a  minit.  It  has 
popped  right  off  all  in  a  suddent,  but  'twas  a  blessed  un,  all  bout 
God." 

"  Well,  Phebe,  if  you  can't  remember  the  text,  you  can  tell  me 
about  the  sermon,  —  it  pleased  you  so  much." 

"  Oh,  yes,  missus,  pleased  me  berry  much,  powerful  good  dis- 
coors  dat  ar.  Wall  now,  how  kinder  curis  dis  yer  chile,  can't  jist 
tink  ob  nothing,  only  jist  when  don't  want  ter.  Now  I  declar," 
said  the  perplexed  woman,  putting  her  hand  to  her  head,  "  when 
I  'se  getting  de  supper  de  hull  discoors  'ull  come  pouring  into  my 
ole  brain,  when  I  can't  no  way  stop  to  'tend  to  it." 

"  Can't  you  tell  me  the  subject  ?"  I  asked,  trying  to  repress  my 
mirth. 

"  Oh,  laws,  yes,  missus,  'twas  all  bout  piousness,  and  serousness, 
dat 's  de  idee.  I  'se  glad,"  she  added  complacently,  "  I  'se  got 
some  o'  my  senses  left,  'twas  a  blessed  discoors  dat  ar." 

Tuesday,  July  16th. 

Dear  Mother,  I  am  up  and  dressed  for  the  first  time  since 
Monday.  I  feel  a  general  prostration  of  the  system.  My  hus 
band  ascribes  it  to  over  excitement.  Nothing  could  surpass  the 
kindness  of  every  one  in  the  house.  I  fear  Frank  will  make 
himself  sick  from  anxiety.  He  returns  home  once  or  twice  in  the 
forenoon,  runs  to  my  chamber  for  a  few  minutes,  and  then  off 
again  to  another  part  of  the  town.  Phebe  does  wonders  in  her 
line,  trying  to  make  something  "  Missus  will  relish  a  bit."  She 
complains  that  I  do  not  eat  enough  to  keep  a  canary  bird  alive, 
and  indeed  I  have  not  much  appetite.  Frank  would  not  allow 
me  to  arise  until  after  dinner,  when  Ann  came  in  with  a  dish^ 
which  would  be  very  tempting  to  a  person  in  health.  I  readily 


100  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR. 

recognized  the  kind  hand  which  selected  it  for  me.  The  breast 
of  a  fat  pigeon,  with  a  nice  slice  of  crisp  toast,  and  an  excellent 
cup  of  tea.  I  almost  relished  it. 

While  I  sat  in  bed  bolstered  by  pillows  with  the  waiter  before 
me,  madam  Phebe  came  from  the  kitchen  to  pay  me  a  visit.  She 
wished  to  see  with  her  own  eyes  why  I  did  not  eat. 


CHAPTER    XI. 

Low  at  his  feet  his  daughter  lies ; 

Dear  father,  let  me  stay ! 
But  no,  the  cruel  wretch  replies, 

Away,  begone,  away ! 

His  heart  was  crusted  o'er  with  years 

Of  guilt,  and  shame,  and  sin; 
But  still  his  wretched  daughter  cries 

Oh !  father,  turn  again ! 

I  '11  give  up  all  I  've  dearly  loved, 

On  thee  my  cares  bestow; 
With  scorn  the  gray-haired  sire  thus  proved 

His  hate.    Go,  daughter,  go  ! 

Friday,  July  Ylth. 

I  FEEL  a  little  stronger  to-day.  My  husband  came  in  yester 
day  while  I  was  writing,  and  put  his  lordly  veto  upon  my  penning 
another  word.  I  asked  him  if  he  had  heard  anything  more  from 
Lucy,  or  had  received  an  answer  from  Mr.  Benson. 

He  shook  his  head  and  said,  "  your  first  business  is  to  get  well." 
I  think  Emily  is  disappointed  in  not  hearing  from  him ;  and  she 
must  be  surprised  that  he  does  not  write,  as  she  supposes  him  to 
be  only  three  miles  distant.  She  asked  me  in  a  whisper  yesterday 
if  I  had  sent  her  letter.  I  told  her,  I  sent  it  at  once,  and  asked, 
"Has  he  replied?" 

She  shook  her  head. 

9* 


102  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

"  He  may  be  away,  and  not  have  received  it,"  I  suggested.  "  I 
think,"  I  added  with  hesitation,  "  I  remember  to  have  heard  he 
was  going  a  journey."  She  brightened  at  once,  and  I  turned 
away  from  fear  lest  she  should  ask  more.  I  am  glad  to  have  es 
caped  her  scrutiny. 

Friday,  July  24th. 

It  is  a  week  since  I  wrote  you,  dear  mother.  How  I  have 
longed  to  have  you  with  me  !  I  shall  soon  begin  to  expect  another 
packet  of  letters.  I  desire  to  tell  you  about  poor  Emily  ;  but  my 
hand  trembles  so  much,.I  don't  know  that  I  ought  to  enter  upon  it. 

On  Monday  last  I  felt  stronger  than  I  had  done  for  a  week  or 
two.  Frank  lifted  me  in  his  arms,  and  carried  me  down  stairs 
for  a  short  drive.  The  air  was  delightful,  and  I  returned  much 
refreshed,  and  invigorated.  I  wanted  to  walk  up  stairs,  for  fear 
Frank  would  injure  himself  carrying  me.  Caesar  stepped  eagerly 
forward  ;  but  the  Doctor  only  laughed,  and  said,  "  No,  Cresar,  I 
claim  this  privilege,  I  can  carry  her  as  easily  as  I  could  carry  a 
child." 

I  felt  quite  an  appetite  for  my  dinner,  and  was  resting  in  my 
easy  chair  after  it,  when  Emily  came  up  to  my  room  and  walked 
toward  me  in  such  a  calm,  unnatural  manner,  I  looked  at  her  in 
alarm. 

She  seemed  to  be  changed  into  marble,  so  colorless  and  rigid 
were  her  features.  She  silently  put  an  envelop  in  my  hand.  I 
did  not  recognize  the  writing,  but  opened  it,  and  took  out  a  note, 
which,  though  written  almost  illegibly,  either  from  emotion  or  haste, 
I  saw  was  from  Mr.  Benson.  It  contained  but  few  words,  which 
were  exactly  these  :  — 

"  M-iaa  Le-ncufc, 


"  Beloved  Emily,  — 

"  I  have  this  minute  received  your 
note,  which  has  completely  unmanned  me. 

"  I  am  already  on  my  way  to  Europe,  where  I  shall  probably 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  103 

stay  several  years ;  and  where,  until  the  last  few  minutes,  I  had 
hoped  to  spend  the  remainder  of  my  life.  It  is  only  by  the  kind 
ness  of  Captain  B I  am  permitted  to  detain  the  pilot,  while 

I  write  these  few  words. 

"  We  are  already  out  of  the  channel.  May  God  bless  and  for 
give  us  both  !  Dearest,  farewell ! 

"FREDERIC  BENSON." 

Saturday,  July  25th. 

I  must  finish  telling  you  about  my  dear  sister.  Frank  told 
mother  as  he  came  into  my  room,  he  should  have  thought  that  I 
was  the  one  who  had  received  sad  tidings;  for  I  sat  holding 
Emily's  hand  tightly  in  mine,  while  the  tears  were  streaming 
down  my  cheeks.  Emily  was  calm  and  unmoved.  I  don't 
know  holv  she  feels  ;  but  she  appears  to  be  petrified.  This 
appearance  made  such  an  impression  upon  me,  that  I  had  a 
dreadful  dream  after  it.  I  sprang  out  of  bed  with  a  horrible 
shriek,  thinking  my  distressed  sister  was  insane,  and  I  was  trying 
to  save  her  from  some  impending  clanger. 

The  next  morning  Frank  looked  very  grave,  and  I  heard  his 
voice  in  the  next  room  conversing  with  mother.  The  result  of 
which  conversation  is,  that  she  and  Emily  have  gone  for  a  few 
weeks  to  a  town  about  a  hundred  miles  distant,  to  visit  some 
relatives. 

In  all  the  arrangements,  sister  was  entirely  passive,  exhibiting 
neither  unwillingness,  nor  interest.  I  hardly  thought  she  could 
have  left  me  so  coldly.  Not  a  muscle  in  her  face  moved  as  she 
kissed  her  farewell.  Her  hand  remained  passive  in  mine,  and 
was  cold  and  clammy.  I  know  her  brother  is  very  anxious 
about  her ;  and  I  expressed  my  fear  that  he  had  sent  her  away 
on  my  account. 

"  The  journey  will  do  her  good,"  he  replied. 

Monday,  July  27 'th. 
Pauline  is  taking  nice  care  of  me,  while  Ann  is  busy  about 


104  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOH  } 

her  morning  work.  The  dear  little  thing  is  so  proud  to  do  any 
thing  for  mamma.  Sometimes  she  tries  to  help  too  much.  After 
Ann  curled  her  hair  this  morning,  she  accidentally  left  the  brush 
on  the  dressing  table.  Pauline  soon  espied  it,  and  stepping  softly 
across  the  room  made  herself  look  like  a  fright.  Her  hair  needs 
to  be  wet  before  it  can  be  combed,  and  now  being  brushed  when 
dry,  it  stood  out  like  a  broom  all  over  her  head.  I  told  Ann  not 
to  laugh  so  much,  lest  the  child  should  be  encouraged  to  do  it 
again,  and  should  give  us  great  trouble. 

I  asked  Frank  this  morning,  if  he  thought  Lucy  would  come 
and  sit  with  me.  I  feel  rather  lonely  without  mother  or  Emily, 
as  I  can  neither  read  nor  write  but  a  few  minutes  at  a  time.  He 
answered,  "  No  ! "  decidedly. 

"  I  want  to  see  somebody,"  I  said. 

"  How  should  you  enjoy  a  visit  from  Aunt  Susy  ?  " 

I  almost  jumped  from  my  chair.  This  made  him  decide  at 
once  that  she  would  not  do.  He  said  "  You  must  rest,  mind  and 
body,  in  order  to  get  well." 

Tuesday,  July  28(h. 

Yesterday  afternoon  I  had  arisen  from  my  bed  after  a  refresh 
ing  nap,  and  was  seated  in  my  easy  chair  by  the  window,  when 
Frank  came  up  stairs  talking  with  some  one  whose  voice  I  did 
not  recognize,  until  she  said,  "  I  had  hoped  ere  this  to  see  thee  at 
our  house.  Thee  must  come  before  Elizabeth  goes ;"  and  Friend 
Estes  kindly  advanced  toward  me,  "  I  am  truly  sorry  to  see  thee 
ill,  my  dear." 

I  tried  to  rise,  and  take  her  bonnet ;  but  Frank  said,  she  was 
his  company,  and  he  would  do  the  honors.  He  took  the  friendly 
"  poke,"  and  carried  it  to  the  bed,  where  he  spread  a  napkin  care 
fully  over  it. 

I  looked  in  surprise ;  but  the  good  lady  smiled  as  she  said, 
"  Thy  husband  is  well  acquainted  with  friendly  ways." 

"  I  am  sorry  to  leave  such  good  company,"  he  said,  "  but  I  have 


OB,   KEVELATIONS   OE   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIPE.  105 

work  enough  for  the  afternoon."  He  was  just  leaving  the  room, 
when  she  detained  him  a  moment,  to  ask  whether  Thomas  Jones 
had  recovered,  and  whether  his  family  were  in  need  of  assist 
ance.  Frank  replied  that  Thomas  would  soon  be  able  to  go  to 
his  work  ;  until  then,  they  were  supported  by  charity. 

There  is  something  composing  and  soothing  in  the  very 
voice  and  manner  of  the  Friends.  Certainly  this  is  true  with  re 
gard  to  my  dear  Friend  Estes. 

"  Does  thee  like  to  have  thy  hair  smoothed,  my  daughter  ?  be 
cause  I  should  love  to  do  it  for  thee." 

I  said,  I  should  like  it  very  much,  if  she  would  let  me  sit 
before  her,  as  I  used  to  sit  before  my  dear  mother.  She  brought 
me  a  cricket,  and  I  sat  down  and  laid  my  head  in  her  lap,  where, 
for  nearly  an  hour  she  passed  her  smooth  hand  lovingly  across 
my  forehead  and  hair.  At  the  same  time  she  discoursed  so 
sweetly,  that  the  afternoon  passed  too  quickly  away.  If  her  con 
versation  had  not  been  so  interesting,  I  should  certainly  have  been 
lulled  to  sleep. 

She  told  me  of  her  daughter  Elizabeth,  who  is  soon  to  be  mar 
ried  to  a  worthy  young  man  every  way  approved  by  her  parents, 
and  the  meeting. 

"  Is  she  to  marry  a  Quaker  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  Yes.  He  is  now  of  our  persuasion  ;  but  he  was  not  educated 
so.  He  became  a  Friend  by '  convincement.'  The  wedding  is  to 

take  place  in  P ."     And  she  invited  us  to  be  present,  kindly 

offering  me  a  seat  in  her  carriage,  if  Frank  could  not  spare  the 
time  to  accompany  me. 

Before  she  went,  she  said  something  which  sent  the  blood  to 
my  cheeks,  but  which  makes  me  so  happy  I  must  tell  you  about 
it.  I  was  sitting  with  my  head  in  her  lap,  looking  up  into  her 
kind  face,  when  she  remarked,  "Thee  has  a  kind,  loving 
husband." 

"  0  yes !  I  cannot  think  of  one  thing  in  which  I  should  wish 
him  to  be  different."  She  smiled  a  moment,  and  then  said, "  I 


106  COKA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

am  pleased  thou  art  so  well  suited.  Would  thee  like  to  hear 
what  he  said  of  thee  ?  " 

"  0,  please  tell  me  ! "  I  said,  before  I  thought,  and  then  my 
cheeks  burned.  I  hid  my  face  and  added,  "  If  you  think  it  would 
be  proper,  and  he  would  like  it." 

She  laughed  merrily  at  my  embarrassment,  as  she  said :  "  I 
presume,  dear,  he  has  told  thee  the  same,  many  times.  He  said, 
'  If  I  had  searched  the  world  through,  I  could  n't  have  found  one 
so  exactly  suited* to  my  idea  of  a  true  wife.'  He  concluded,  being 
quite  warmed  with  his  subject,  '  She  is  a  perfect  little  darling,  and 
I  thank  God  for  her  every  day  of  my  life.' " 

O,  mother,  you  can't  tell  how  happy  she  made  me.  I  could  n't 
lift  up  my  head  for  a  long  time,  for  fear  she  would  see  the  blissful 
tears.  She  kissed  me  tenderly,  and  when  she  left,  my  mind  was 
fully  determined  on  one  point,  —  if  I  ever  am  sick  and  need  a 
nurse,  I  shall  desire  of  all  others  a  Friend,  if  I  can  get  one  any 
thing  like  her. 

I  know,  dear  mother,  you  will  be  glad  that  your  Cora  has  not 
so  far,  disappointed  the  expectations  of  her  husband. 

Friday,  July  31s/. 

Miss  Proctor  is  here,  spending  a  few  days  with  me.  I  enjoy 
her  society  exceedingly.  As  we  sat  together  in  my  room,  I  did 
not  like  to  spend  the  time  in  writing.  This  afternoon  Csesar  has 
driven  her  in  the  carriage  to  Lee  Hall,  and  Pauline  accompanied 
them. 

I  sent  Lucy  a  magnificent  bouquet,  which  Caesar  made  me  for 
the  occasion,  with  a  little  note  expressing  my  affection  and 
sympathy. 

I  had  a  call  from  Mrs.  Jones  this  morning.  Frank  Font  her 
here  to  see  Miss  Proctor,  who  is  making  some  clothes  for  the 
children. 

She  appears  truly  humble  and  devout.  Thomas  has  nyt  tasted 
a  drop  of  spirit  since  he  recovered,  and  is  now  beginning  to  work. 


OK,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  107 

She  took  Miss  Proctor's  advice  very  kindly  with  regard  to 
neatness  and  economy ;  that  her  husband  might  feel  that  he 
had  a  respectable  and  decent  home.  She  said,  "  I  have  now 
more  heart  about  him  than  I  have  had  for  many  years,  because 
he  distrusts  himself  and  looks  above  for  help  and  strength." 

Monday,  August  3d. 

Lucy  Lee  sent  by  Miss  Proctor  a  note  requesting  me,  if  able, 
to  call  upon  her  in  the  course  of  a  few  days ;  and  if  unable, 
begging  me  to  ask  the  Doctor  to  call.  He  went  early  this  after 
noon,  when  she  showed  him  a  letter,  she  had  received  from  Allen, 
and  asked  him  what  she  should  do. 

The  letter  stated  that  Allen,  feeling  a  strong  desire  to  know  the 
character  of  the  man,  rumor  had  affianced  to  hisLucy\had  placed 
himself  in  the  way  of  one  of  Joseph's  associates,  an  old  school 
mate,  who  had  told  him  some  astonishing  facts.  These,  Frank 
only  related  to  me  in  brief,  and,  indeed,  would  have  wholly  kept 
from  me  if  possible. 

When  Mr.  Arnold  was  first  introduced  to  Lucy,  it  had  not  oc 
curred  to  her  brother  to  force  him  upon  her  acquaintance.  But 
when  that  gentleman  told  him  of  his  love  for  his  beautiful  sister, 
and  solicited  his  cooperation  and  influence  in  winning  her  hand, 
lie  had  willingly  consented,  out  of  hatred  to  Allen.  While, 
however,  Arnold's  passion  increased,  her  aversion  became  every 
day  more  evident,  until,  in  a  fit  of  exasperation,  he  had  made  a  con 
tract  with  her  brother,  that  on  the  day  she  became  his  wife,  he, 
as  her  husband,  would  make  over  to  him  one  half  of  his  property. 
This  contract  Allen's  informant  was  called  upon  to  witness. 

The  reason  of  Joseph's  cruel  determination  to  force  Lucy  to  a 
marriage  with  his  friend  was  now  evident.  Allen  begged  her  to 
be  firm  in  refusing  to  be  sold  in  so  vile  a  manner. 

The  Doctor  requested  to  see  Joseph,  being  determined  to  ap 
peal  to  his  affection  as  a  brother,  and  his  honor  as  a  gentleman, 
if,  indeed,  he  had  any  such  feelings.  But  he  was  informed  that 


108  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

he  had  gone  with  Mr.  Arnold  to  the  city.  Frank  then  advised  her 
to  embrace  this  favorable  opportunity  to  impart  to  her  father  her 
decided  refusal  to  marry  Mr.  Arnold.  With  this  advice  poor 
Lucy,  with  a  shudder,  promised  to  comply.  She  is  too  fearful. 

Tuesday,  August  4th. 

I  long  to  hear  from  Lee  Hall.  If  I  do  not  in  a  day  or  two,  I 
will  try  to  persuade  Frank  to  allow  me  to  call  there. 

To-day  we  received  wedding  cai'ds  from  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Clapp. 
I  shall  take  an  early  opportunity  to  visit  them.  "We  also  received 
a  letter  from  mother,  and  can  you  believe  it  ?  Frank  almost  re 
fused  to  let  me  read  it.  I  felt  so  hurt,  I  could  only  say,  "  Dear 
husband,  would  you  like  me  to  conceal  anything  from  you  ?  " 

Without  another  word,  he  read  it  aloud.  Emily  remains  ex 
actly  as  she  was  when  they  left ;  neither  better  nor  worse ;  she 
talks,  walks,  and  acts  like  an  automaton. 

Mother  fears  insanity.  She  says  this  state  cannot  last  much 
longer, —  a  reaction  must  take  place.  She  closed  with  the  kindest 
messages  to  me,  and  particular  inquiries  about  my  health. 

<l  Frank,"  I  said,  when  he  had  finished,  "  will  you  please  to  do 
me  a  great  favor  ?  " 

"  Certainly,  my  love,  I  shall  be  most  happy  to  do  so." 

"  Well  then,  please  write  to  mother  at  once,  and  ask  her  to 
bring  Emily  home.  I  know  she  longs  to  do  so ;  and  I  am  almost 
well  now."  He  hesitated  what  to  reply.  "  You  have  promised," 
I  said. 

"  Well,  be  it  so,"  he  answered,  "  but  I  am  convinced  that  it  is 
not  safe  for  a  man  to  promise  so  blindly." 

"Blindly  !  —  a  wife  !  oh,  Frank  !  I  would  promise  to  do  any 
thing  in  the  world,  you  might  ask.  I  have  such  entire  confidence 
in  you,  I  know  you  would  not  ask  me  to  do  wrong." 

He  looked  very,  very  much  pleased  and  drew  me  to  his  side. 
"  Dear  Cora,  you  have  unconsciously  given  me  the  strongest 
proof  of  entire  love ;  but  I  do  not  deserve  it,  though  I  shall 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  109 

endeavor  not  to  forfeit  so  precious  a  token  of  your  affection.  This 
is  the  feeling,  sweet  wife,  we  should  cultivate  toward  our  heaven 
ly  Father.  He  knows  what  is  best  for  us ;  and  it  is  safe  for  us  to 
confide  in  him.  He  sometimes  leads  us  through  dangerous 
paths.  Let  us  trust  Him,  though  clouds  gather  and  break  over 
our  heads." 

Thursday,  August  Qth. 

We  were  aroused  from  sleep  last  night  by  a  thundering  knock 
at  the  door.  Frank  threw  up  the  window,  when  a  man  called 
out,  "  Doctor,  won't  you  come  as  quick  as  you  can  to  Squire  Lee's. 
He's  had  a  fit,  and  they  think  he  is  dying."  Frank  dressed  and 
was  gone  in  a  moment.  I  could  not  sleep,  but  lay  revolving  in 
my  mind  Lucy's  situation.  I  thought  how  I  should  love  to  offer 
her  a  home,  where  Allen  Mansfield  could  come  to  see  her.  I 
went  through  all  the  marriage  ceremony,  thinking  what  a  lovely 
bride  Lucy  would  make  when  the  heavy  cloud  had  passed  away, 
and  her  heart  was  free  from  sorrow  or  care. 

Frank  did  not  return  until  after  I  was  seated  at  the  breakfast- 
table.  He  looked  very  serious  and  only  shook  his  head  in  an 
swer  to  the  question,  whether  the  old  gentleman  was  better.  "  He 
will  probably  never  be  better."  I  was  shocked.  "  And  Lucy  ?  " 
I  inquired. 

"  She  has  passed  from  one  fainting  to  another." 

"  Horrible  !  But  how  is  she  now  ?  "  I  really  shuddered  at  the 
thought  that  she  might  not  be  living. 

"  She  is  conscious,  but  very  much  exhausted."  After  prayers 
he  took  my  hand  as  he  sat  by  me  on  the  sofa.  "  Cora,"  he  ask 
ed,  "  can  you  control  your  feelings  ?  " 

I  quickly  answered  that  I  could,  and  would. 

"  Squire  Lee  received  a  letter  from  his  son  which  so  enraged 
him  against  his  poor  innocent  daughter,  that  he  sent  for  a  lawyer 
to  his  office  and  disinherited  her  unless  she  would  consent  to  marry 
Arnold,  and  that  too  without  delay.  With  this  legal  document  in 

10 


110  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOKJ 

his  hand  he  summoned  her  into  his  presence,  where  with  horrible 
oaths,  he  told  her  what  he  had  done. 

"  She  begged  him  to  allow  her  to  take  care  of  him  in  his  old  age. 
She  would  promise  never  to  see  her  dear  Allen ;  but  she  could  not 
consent  to  marry  Arnold.  She  had  rather  die.  She  threw  herself 
at  his  feet,  when  he  cursed  her  and  spurned  her  from  him  with 
scorn.  A  heavy  fall  caused  Mrs.  Burns  to  rush  into  the  room. 
She  had  followed  her  dear  young  mistress  to  the  door  and  had 
heard  all  that  passed. 

"  The  sweet  girl  was  insensible.  The  kind  woman  rang  for 
Jacob  the  porter ;  and  they  lifted  her  gently,  and  carried  her  to 
her  bed.  Her  father  soon  after  was  seen  going  to  his  room. 

"  About  eleven  o'clock,  one  of  the  servants  was  passing  through 
the  apartment  next  that  which  he  occupied,  when  she  was  startled 
by  loud  snoring.  She  stopped  to  listen,  when  finding  it  continue, 
she  hastily  called  the  housekeeper,  and  together  they  entered  the 
room.  The  Squire  lay  in  what  seemed  to  them  a  heavy  slumber  ; 
but  they  could  not  arouse  him.  The  sound  was  like  the  snorting 
of  a  brute,  more  than  like  the  breathing  of  a  human  being. 

"  By  this  time  they  were  thoroughly  frightened,  and  sent  in 
haste  for  the  Doctor." 

Immediately  after  he  had  told  me  this,  he  returned  to  the 
wretched  house,  wretched  in  the  midst  of  luxury  and  splendor  !  I 
waited  in  vain  for  him  to  return  to  dinner,  but  received  a  note 
toward  night,  telling  me  not  to  be  alarmed,  if  he  did  not  return 
until  morning.  Lucy  was  rather  better,  but  would  not  consent  to 
his  leaving  the  house,  while  her  father  lived.  He  would  probably 
not  survive  many  hours. 

Dr.  Clapp  called  in  the  evening,  and  told  me  he  had  received 
a  hasty  note  from  the  Doctor,  requesting  him  to  take  the  care  of 
his  other  patients,  with  a  list  of  those  upon  whom  it  would  be  ne 
cessary  to  call. 

Friday,  August  7th. 
Contrary  to  the  Doctor's  expectations,  Squire  Lee  is  still  liv- 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A  PHYSICIAN'S   "WIFE.  Ill 

ing ;  and  there  is  slight  hope  that  he  may  be  better.  Frank  pur 
sued  the  most  vigorous  course  of  treatment;  applying  cups  to  the 
temples,  and  blisters  to  the  back  of  the  neck.  He  left  him  in  a 
natural  sleep. 

Lucy  has  been  carried  to  the  room  where  she  sits  near  the 
bed.  She  wishes  to  be  near  him  when  he  recovers  his  conscious 
ness,  hoping  before  his  death  that  he  may  revoke  his  dreadful 
curse. 

Tuesday,  August  llth. 

Mother  and  Emily  returned  last  Saturday,  and  as  mother 
feared,  a  terrible  reaction  has  taken  place.  Sister  is  now  as  ex 
citable  as  she  was  impassive.  She  laughs  so  merrily  that  the 
sound  rings  through  the  house.  Then  with  as  little  reason,  she 
weeps  violently.  I  led  Pauline  to  the  cottage  to  try  and  amuse 
the  poor  girl ;  but  the  little  creature  was  afraid  of  her  aunt,  and 
clung  convulsively  to  me,  if  Emily  tried  to  force  her  from  my 
arms.  There  is  a  dreadful  wildness  in  her  eye,  which  alarms 
me. 

Squire  Lee  is  so  much  better,  Frank  is  of  opinion  that,  if  he 
lias  no  relapse,  he  will  soon  be  able  to  leave  his  bed.  Lucy  is 
with  him  constantly;  indeed  he  cannot  bear  her  out  of  his  sight  a 
moment.  Sometimes  he  mistakes  her  for  her  mother,  and  calls 
her  "  wife,"  and  "  Mary  !  " 

The  Doctor  has  insisted  that  he  shall  have  watchers,  so  that 
she  may  have  regular  sleep ;  and  that  she  shall  take  exercise  in 
the  open  air,  at  least  an  hour  every  day.  Joseph  returned  Sat 
urday,  but  as  the  Doctor  would  not  allow  him  to  go  into  the  sick 
room,  telling  him  he  would  not  be  responsible  for  the  conse 
quences,  the  young  man  left  again  for  the  city  early  Monday 
morning. 

Frank  also  told  him,  Lucy  had  informed  her  father  of  her  de 
termination  not  to  marry  Arnold.  Joseph  swore  dreadfully,  that 
she  would  be  the  death  of  her  father  yet.  All  his  object  now  was 


112 


CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR. 


to  see  if  "  the  old  fellow,"  as  he  called  him,  had  acted  upon  his 
suggestion. 

Mrs.  Burns  had  picked  up  the  paper  which  lay  upon  the  floor, 
after  the  dreadful  interview  between  father  and  daughter,  and 
having  glanced  at  its  contents,  and  seen  that  he  had  indeed  left 
every  cent  of  his  property  to  Joseph,  was  strongly  tempted  to 
destroy  it ;  but  knowing  she  had  no  right  to  do  this,  she  carefully 
locked  it  in  a  private  desk  where  she  had  sometimes  seen  her 
master  put  his  papers,  and  kept  the  key.  She  told  Frank  of  the 
fact,  who  strengthened  her  in  the  resolution  to  restore  it  to  no  one 
but  her  master. 

After  Joseph's  departure  on  Monday,  however,  it  was  ascer 
tained  beyond  a  doubt,  that  he  had  taken  the  desk  with  him. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

"  No,  I'll  not  weep  ; 

I  have  full  cause  for  weeping ;  but  this  heart 
Shall  break  into  a  hundred  thousand  flaws, 
Or  ere  I'll  weep  ;  —  0  fool,  I  shall  go  mad!  " 

SHAKSPEARE. 

Thursday,  August  13th. 

DEAR  MOTHER,  —  Yesterday  was  a  fearfully  exciting  day. 
About  noon  mother  Lenox  came  over  from  the  cottage  to  go 
back  with  Emily. 

I  asked  where  sister  had  gone.  She  looked  at  me  with  fright 
and  wonder.  "  Emily,"  she  exclaimed,  "  started  for  the  house 
early  this  morning,  purposely,  as  she  said,  to  see  her  brother  be 
fore  he  went  out  upon  his  calls." 

"  She  has  not  been  here  to  my  knowledge,"  I  replied.  We  in 
stantly  went  to  the  kitchen  to  ascertain  whether  Phebe  or  Caesar 
had  seen  her.  Caesar  was  absent ;  but  neither  Ann  nor  Phebe 
had  seen  anything  of  their  young  mistress.  We  were  now  really 
alarmed,  and  waited  with  impatience  for  Frank's  return,  while 
the  women  searched  the  house  and  grounds. 

Caesar  was  soon  heard  coming  up  the  hill  with  the  wagon, 
when  his  wife  ran  to  meet  him.  He  stopped  the  horse  to  hear 
what  she  was  in  such  a  hurry  to  say,  but  mother  beckoned  for 
him  to  come  to  the  door.  He  said  "  I'se  heb  seen  missus  'bout 
seven  or  it  might  be  nigh  upon  eight.  She  be  all  dressed  out  for 


114  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

de  walk,  and  was  g'wine  down  de  hill.  I'se  stopped  de  wagon, 
and  axed  missus  if  I'se  go  back  and  take  de  carriage  and  carry  her 
where  she  was  g'wine.  But  missus  say  no,  she  only  g'wine  on  a 
piece  for  ole  missus.  She  'peared  in  mighty  hurry,"  ended  the  old 
man. 

Mother  went  back  to  the  library,  sat  down  in  a  chair,  and  cov 
ered  her  face  with  her  hands.  "  I  will  send  Ccesar  to  find  his 
master,"  said  I,  earnestly. 

Phebe,  however,  had  anticipated  me,  for  when  I  heard  Ctesar, 
as  I  thought,  drive  to  the  barn,  he  had  only  turned  back  and 
gone  to  the  office  in  the  village.  In  a  very  few  moments,  we 
heard  Frank's  welcome  voice.  I  sprang  to  meet  him  and  led 
him  to  our  distressed  mother. 

"  Emily  is  gone !  "  she  repeated  after  me ;  but  oh !  I  cannot  de 
scribe  the  mournfulness  of  the  tone. 

"  Dear  mother,  don't  be  alarmed,"  he  said,  in  a  cheerful  voice, 
"  I  will  soon  find  the  runaway  and  bring  her  back."  I  looked 
earnestly  at  him  to  see  if  he  really  were  so  hopeful,  but  could  de 
tect  nothing  to  make  me  think  otherwise,  except  that  he  was  very 
pale  about  the  mouth.  He  then  ascertained  from  Caesar  the 
direction  she  had  taken,  and  rode  hastily  away. 

In  about  two  hours,  which  had  seemed  equal  to  a  whole  day,  I 
received  the  following  hasty  note  by  a  messenger :  — 

"  DEAR  CORA, 

"  I  regret  to  say  that  I  have  so  far  been  unsuccessful  in  my 
search.  Let  Caesar  procure  men  and  horses  from  the  village, 
and  start  off  in  every  direction.  I  am  on  my  way  to  Waverley, 
where  I  have  slight  encouragement  to  hope  I  may  find  her.  A 
young  woman  was  seen  hastily  running  in  that  direction,  and  was 
observed  to  look  frequently  behind  her,  as  if  apprehending  pur 
suit. 

"  May  God  in  mercy  grant  this  to  be  our  dear  distracted  sister. 
Pray  for  us ;  but  this  I  know  you  will  do.  I  am  stopping  for  ten 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  115 

minutes  to  rest  and  water  my  horse.     Sweet  wife,  take  care  of 
yourself  and  our  dear  mother. 

«YOUR  FRANK." 

I  instantly  rang  for  Caesar,  and  gave  him  his  master's  orders, 
directing  him  to  send  in  every  other  direction  except  that  taken 
by  the  Doctor,  and  make  inquiries  at  every  house.  Mother  was 
so  distressed,  I  felt  that  I  must  not  give  way  to  my  feelings.  So 
I  walked  the  room  holding  Pauline  tightly  in  my  arms,  or  lead 
ing  her  by  my  side. 

Not  a  tear  did  mother  shed.  She  knelt  by  the  sofa,  with  her 
face  buried  in  her  hands,  for  half  an  hour  at  a  time.  At  the  least 
noise,  she  would  start  up  and  look  eagerly  for  a  moment,  and 
then  relapse  into  her  former  state. 

I  tried  to  pray,  but  could  not  command  my  thoughts ;  I  could 
only  lift  up  my  heart,  as  I  walked  the  room.  «  0  God !  restore 
unto  us  our  dear,  lost  one  ! " 

I  cannot  describe  to  you  the  intense  grief  of  mother,  as  hour 
after  hour  passed  away,  and  we  still  heard  nothing  from  the  fugi 
tive.  By  this  time,  the  whole  village  was  aroused,  and  messen 
gers  were  continually  coming  to  the  house  to  report  their  want  of 
success,  or  to  make  inquiries  whether  the  poor  girl  had  been 
found. 

From  the  remark  of  one  of  them  that  they  had  been  "  dragging 
the  pond"  I  for  the  first  time  realized  what  must  be  the  agony 
felt  by  my  dear,  distracted  mother,  who  with  a  low  wail  put  her 
hand  suddenly  to  her  heart.  I  sprang  to  her  side,  and  clasping 
my  arms  around  her  neck,  wept  bitterly.  That  dreadful  thought 
had  never  before  entered  my  mind.  But  it  was  what  had  dis 
tracted  her. 

Alas !  what  torment  in  that  fear !  I  trembled  at  every  sound. 
Dear,  kind  Miss  Proctor,  who  instantly  came  to  us  in  our  sorrow, 
begged  us  to  go  up  stairs,  where  we  could  be  more  retired.  She 
promised  to  come  to  us  with  the  first  intelligence. 


116  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

Ann  came  to  put  Pauline  to  bed,  and  brought  tea  on  a  waiter  ; 
but  I  shook  my  head,  I  could  not  swallow.  Mother  seemed  not 
to  see  or  hear  her. 

It  must  have  been  nearly  nine  in  the  evening,  when  I  heard  a 
faint  sound  in  the  distance.  I  listened  eagerly,  and  then  again  I 
heard  a  shout.  This  time  it  aroused  mother,  who  looked  at  me 
with  dreadful  apprehension  and  horror  of  the  cause. 

"  Hark ! "  said  I,  as  the  sound  was  again  borne  on  the  breeze, 
"  what  do  they  say  ?  "  and  now,  as  they  approached  nearer  and 
nearer,  we  distinctly  heard  the  words,  "  She 's  found.'  SHE  's 

FOUND ! ! " 

We  stopped  but  for  one  convulsive  embrace,  and  then  started 
quickly  to  go  below ;  but  the  sudden  relief  was  too  great  for 
mother's  overborne  heart ;  and  she  fell  prostrate  upon  the  floor. 
Miss  Proctor,  with  Ann's  assistance,  raised  her,  and  soon  restored 
her  to,  consciousness,  having  motioned  me  to  go  below. 

The  carriage  stopped  at  the  door.  A  boy  was  sitting  on  a 
cricket  driving,  while  Frank  held  his  unconscious  sister  in  his 
arms.  With  Cesar's  assistance  he  carried  her  to  her  bed,  from 
which  I  fear  the  poor  girl  will  not  soon  rise.  She  was  very  wild 
all  night,  during  which  her  devoted  brother  never  left  her.  This 
morning  he  pronounces  her  suffering  from  the  worst  form  of  bi'ain 
fever.  God  only  knows  the  result. 

Dear  mother  shared  my  room  with  me,  and  in  compliance  with 
Frank's  earnestly  expressed  wishes,  forced  herself  to  remain  in 
bed.  But  I  hardly  think  she  closed  her  eyes.  This  morning  he 
has  procured  an  excellent  nurse,  and  will  himself  remain  most  of 
the  time  with  her. 

He  will  not  allow  me  to  be  in  the  room,  and  says  he  has  no 
desire  to  multiply  such  patients.  He  confessed  to  me  this  morn 
ing  that  for  many  hours  yesterday  he  feared  a  more  dreadful 
result ;  and  added,  "  God  only  knows  what  I  suffered  in  the 
thought  that  she  had  rushed  into  eternity  unprepared." 

I  will  go  now  and  see  if  I  can  prevail  upon  mother  to  eat 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  117 

something  and  lie  down.   "  For  Emily's  sake,"  is  the  only  success 
ful  plea. 

Wednesday,  August  I3th. 

This  is  truly  a  sad  house.  Scarcely  a  sound  is  to  be  heard  in 
it  from  morning  to  night.  The  door  bells  are  muffled,  and  the 
outer  gates  are  barred ;  no  carriage  enters  the  enclosure,  and  even 
neighbors  and  friends,  who  come  to  inquire,  tread  lightly  as  they 
pass  round  to  the  back  door.  We  meet  and  pass  each  other  in 
the  halls,  or  sit  at  table  one  at  a  time,  often  in  the  vain  attempt 
to  eat ;  but  we  dare  not  trust  ourselves  to  speak,  our  hearts  are 
too  full.  Each  of  us  pour  out  in  secret  the  overflowings  of  a 
burdened  heart.  We  cannot  even  meet  around  the  family  altar. 
God,  who  reads  our  thoughts,  knows  our  only  hope  is  in  his  rich 
mercy,  and  that,  from  morning  till  night,  our  desires  go  forth  to 
Him  in  whose  hand  life  and  death  are. 

For  several  days  our  darling,  precious  sister  has  lain  at  the 
point  of  death  ;  and  we  have  no  well-grounded  hope  of  her  pre 
paration  to  meet  her  God.  Oh,  dreadful  thought !  It  is  this 
which  makes  our  hearts  sink  within  us.  Surely,  "  the  sting  of 
death  is  sin."  If  we  could  feel  that  Emily,  dear  Emily,  was  pre 
pared  to  die,  I  think  I  could  say,  "  it  is  well ;"  but  my  heart  cries 
out  with  Esther,  "  How  can  I  endure  to  see  the  destruction  of  my 
kindred!"  O,  may  God,  in  infinite  compassion,  restore  our 
darling  to  reason,  ere  she  goes  hence  to  be  here  no  more  !  She 
has  lain  for  two  days  unconscious  of  all  around  her.  I  dare  not 
ask  Frank  whether  there  is  hope.  There  is  none  in  his  pale, 
mournful  face. 

Friday,  August  21st. 

Dearest  mother,  rejoice  with  us !  We  are  permitted  to  hope. 
My  .own  dear  Frank,  who  had  not  left  the  sick  room  for  many 
weary  hours,  came  noiselessly  out  of  it  this  morning ;  advanced 
toward  mother  and  myself  who  sat  silently  hand  in  hand,  await 
ing  the  long  feared,  and  long  expected  summons. 


118  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

"  Can  you  command  your  feelings  ? "  he  asked  in  a  hoarse 
whisper.  We  bowed  our  assent.  He  led  us  to  the  bed-side  of 
the  pale  sufferer,  where,  with  emotions  of  joy  and  gratitude  which 
I  cannot  describe,  we  saw  her,  ghastly  and  pale  indeed,  but  in  a 
calm  and  natural  slumber. 

"With  a  finger  on  his  lip,  Frank  pointed  to  the  sweet  expression 
of  the  mouth,  and  the  calm  serenity  of  the  brow,  which  had  taken 
the  place  of  the  previous  signs  of  intense  suffering.  Leaving  the 
sympathizing  nurse  with  her,  we  stole  softly  from  the  room.  I 
wanted  to  get  into  the  air.  My  heart  was  swelling  within  me, 
and  the  teai's,  which  I  had  forced  back,  were  choking  me.  Frank 
accompanied  us  to  the  library,  where  we  knelt  together  to  express 
our  gratitude  and  praise. 

How  easy  now  to  feel  submissive  to  the  will  of  God !  When 
we  arose,  mother  clasped  her  son's  hands  in  hers,  and  burst  into 
a  flood  of  tears  ;  the  first  she  has  shed.  I  know  they  will  relieve 
her  poor  bursting  heart.  I  feel  that  if  Emily  is  restored  to 
health  and  reason,  I  can  never  again  be  unhappy.  I  love  every 
body.  I  want  to  sing  —  I  want  to  scream  for  joy  !  I  must 
have  my  sweet  Pauline  home,  and  relieve  myself  by  embracing 
her.  She  has  been  with  Miss  Proctor  every  day  for  a  week, 
only  returning  at  night. 

Saturday,  August  22d. 

Emily  recognizes  us.  We  have  been  in  one  at  a  time.  She 
looked  at  us  sweetly,  and  smiled.  "  0,  Emily ! "  I  even  carried 
Pauline  to  her  room,  who  just  pointed  her  little  finger  at  aunty, 
but  did  not  speak. 

The  Doctor  allows  not  a  word  of  conversation.  Now  mother 
has  been  in,  she  will  not  leave,  though  Frank  tells  her  the  nurse 
can  do  much  better.  Her  pale,  anxious  countenance  will  do  his 
patient  no  good. 

Monday,  August  24th. 
Still  encouraging  prospects !     For  the  first  time  since  Emily's 


OB,   REVELATIONS    OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  119 

sickness,  Frank  passed  an  undisturbed  and  quiet  night.  Strange 
as  it  may  appear,  my  mind  has  been  so  occupied  with  sister's  im 
mediate  danger,  I  have  never  thought  to  inquire  of  her  brother 
where  he  found  her.  It  now  appears  that  the  young  woman, 
he  mentioned  in  his  hurried  note  to  me,  was  in  reality  the  insane 
wanderer.  But  he  lost  all  trace  of  her  after  dark,  and  was  about 
to  return  home  in  despair  of  success  in  that  quarter,  when  he 
overheard  two  women  talking  earnestly  at  the  door  of  a  house. 
His  attention  was  arrested  by  hearing  one  of  them  say,  "She  is 
every  inch  a  lady."  The  reply  was  in  a  lower  tone. 

"  Well,  I  can't  tell  as  to  that,"  added  the  first  speaker ;  "  Here 
she  is,  away  from  all  her  folks,  and  what  is  to  be  done  with  her  ?  " 

Frank  says,  his  heart  sprang  into  his  mouth  as  he  rode  up  to 
them,  and  asked  if  they  had  seen  or  heard  anything  of  a  lady 
who  had  escaped  from  her  friends  in  a  sudden  fit  of  insanity. 

"  She  is  here  !    she  is  here  ! !  "  they  both  exclaimed. 

Frank  speedily  made  arrangements  for  a  driver,  and  for  shawls 
to  wrap  around  the  poor  girl,  who  was  alternately  shivering  with 
cold  or  consumed  with  heat. 

Tuesday  Morning,  September  \st, 

The  nurse  left  us  this  morning.  She  was  summoned  to  a 
family  where  she  had  been  previously  engaged,  and  we  could  not 
detain  her.  Mother,  Miss  Proctor,  and  I  take  her  place.  We 
succeed  admirably.  Each  of  us  take  our  turn  in  sleeping  on  a 
couch  beside  the  bed.  Frank  wished  to  take  my  place,  but  I  de 
cidedly  refused.  He  is  often  called  out  during  the  night ;  and 
though  he  says  he  is  used  to  it,  yet  I  know  he  needs  sleep  when 
he  can  get  it. 

Emily  requires  but  little  attention.  Only  toast-water  or  arrow 
root  once  in  a  while.  She  sleeps  most  of  the  time. 

I  rode  to-day  with  Frank  to  see  Caroline,  who  fails  very  fast. 
I  was  shocked  to  observe  the  alteration.  She  longs  to  depart,  and 
wished  the  Doctor,  when  he  was  about  to  pray,  to  ask  God  to 


120  CORA  AND    THE   DOCTOR. 

give  her  patience  to  wait  her  appointed  time.  Her  mother  ap 
pears  deeply  affected,  and  when  Frank  addressed  a  few  words  of 
consolation  to  her,  she  wept  aloud.  Then,  after  a  short  pause,  "  I 
am  willing  to  give  up  my  beloved  daughter,  if  it  is  God's  will ; 
but  it  comes  so  suddenly  upon  me,  I  am  not  prepared  for  it." 

As  we  passed  Squire  Lee's,  I  begged  my  husband  to  stop  and 
let  me  speak  to  Lucy.  Mrs.  Burns  came  to  the  carriage  and  said 
if  I  would  alight  and  go  into  the  parlor,  she  would  (ake  Lucy's 
place  with  her  father,  and  request  her  to  come  down.  I  imagined 
the  dear  girl  looked  happier  than  she  did  when  I  saw  her  last. 
She  said  "  Though  my  sad  duty  at  home  has  prevented  my  going 
to  you  in  your  trouble,  yet  I  have  constantly  thought  of  you." 

Joseph  is  still  away,  and  the  Squire  continues  about  the  same  ; 
but  Lucy  hopes  he  will  soon  be  better,  as  he  takes  neither  wine, 
nor  brandy.  It  was  melting  to  me  to  hear  her  speak  of  him  with 
such  affection.  "What  a  dutiful  heart  he  has  trampled  upon  ! 

When  I  returned  to  the  carriage,  I  asked  Frank  what  he 
thought  of  the  old  gentleman's  case. 

"  If  he  abstains  entirely  from  the  use  of  stimulants,"  he  replied, 
"  he  may  live  for  years.  But  his  mind  is  very  much  enfeebled, 
and  probably  he  will  not  be  able  to  transact  any  business,  hardly 
to  leave  the  house.  Any  sudden  excitement  would  terminate  his 
life.  This  I  have  tried  to  impress  upon  Lucy  and  the  servants." 

"  Dear  girl,"  I  replied,  "  she  seems  perfectly  happy  in  devoting 
her  life  to  the  comfort  of  her  miserable  father." 

"  Yes,"  added  the  Doctor,  "  and  God  will  reward  her." 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

"The  peace  which  passeth  all  understanding  disclosed  itself  in  all  her  movo- 
r  cuts.  It  lay  on  her  countenance  like  a  steady  unshadowed  moonlight." 

COLEKIDGE. 

Thursday,  September  3d. 

WE  assisted  Emily  up  into  her  chair  to-day  while  Ann  put 
fresh  linen  upon  the  bed.  How  she  has  changed!  "What a  sof 
tened,  subdued  look  there  is  about  her!  Mother  was  the  first  to 
notice  it.  Sister  is  very  grateful  for  every  attention,  and  has 
a-ked  us  to  forgive  her  for  causing  us  so  much  anxiety.  Yester 
day  she  called  her  brother  to  the  bed,  and  asked  him  in  a  low 
voice  if  it  would  be  too  much  trouble  to  call  the  servants  to  her 
room,  and  have  prayers  there.  He  was  much  affected  during  the 
service,  while  Ccesar  and  Phebe  sobbed  audibly.  She  spoke  to 
each  one  as  they  passed  out  of  the  room  in  a  most  affectionate 
manner. 

Sabbath,  September  Gth. 

I  have  been  to  church  all  day.  I  intended  to  remain  with  sister 
this  afternoon,  but  at  her  special  request  her  brother  staid  with 
her,  and  I  went  again  with  mother.  A  note  was  read  requesting 
prayers  for  Caroline  Leighton,  lying  at  the  point  of  death ;  that 
she  might  have  the  presence  of  her  Saviour  through  the  dark 
valley,  and  arrive  safety  at  her  heavenly  home.  This  was  her 
own  dictation.  Such  notes  are  common  here,  and  I  think  very 
appropriate  and  salutary. 

When  I  returned  from  church  and  was  passing  into  Emily's 
room,  Frank  came  out  and  led  me  to  my  boudoir.  His  eyes  were 
inllamed  as  if  he  had  been  weeping.  He  sat  down  by  me  when 

11 


122  CORA  AND    THIi   DOCTOR; 

I  had  laid  off  my  bonnet,  and  said  softly,  "  I  know,  dear  Cora, 
that  you  will  join  me  in  giving  God  the  praise,  for  salvation  has 
come  to  this  house."  He  then  told  me  that  soon  after  we  left, 
Emily  requested  him  to  bring  the  Bible  to  the  side  of  the  bed, 
and  read  the  parable  of  the  prodigal  son.  He  did  so,  and  read  in 
si  low  tone  until  he  came  to  the  eighteenth  verse,  when  she  inter 
rupted  him,  and  with  her  eyes  closed,  and  her  hands  clasped  as  if 
in  prayer,  she  repeated  the  words, "  I  will  arise  and  go  to  my 
father,  and  will  say  unto  him,  Father,  I  have  sinned  against 
heaven  and  before  thee,  and  am  no  more  worthy  to  be  called  thy 
child."  She  remained  in  the  same  attitude  for  a  few  moments, 
when  she  put  her  hand  into  her  brother's,  saying,  "  dear  Frank, 
God,  my  Heavenly  Father,  has  forgiven  me."  He  sank  down  by 
her  side  and  buried  his  face  in  his  hands.  "  Dear  brother,"  she 
whispered  after  a  short  pause,  "  will  you  ask  God  to  enable  me  to 
consecrate  my  life  to  his  service?  —  My  life,  which  has  been  here 
tofore  worse  than  wasted."  It  was  some  time  before  he  could  pray 
audibly,  though  his  whole  soul  was  filled  with1  gratitude  and  praise. 
He  had  subsequently  some  delightful  conversation  with  her,  in  the 
course  of  which  she  exhibited  evidence  of  a  regenerate  heart. 

Wednesday,  September  9^. 

I  have  been  with  my  dear  husband  this  afternoon  to  attend  the 
funeral  of  Caroline  Leighton,  Avho  died  on  Monday  evening  full 
of  peace  and  trust  in  her  Saviour.  Her  last  words  were  uttered 
but  half  an  hour  before  she  expired,  and  were,  "  For  I  know  in 
whom  I  have  believed,  and  am  persuaded  that  he  is  able  to  keep 
that  which  I  have  committed  unto  him  against  that  day."  She 
had  previously  left  messages  of  love  for  all  her  friends,  together 
with  some  little  parting  token  of  afTec'tion.  She  begged  her  father 
to  tell  the  Doctor  what  comfort  and  joy  she  had  experienced  in 
her  dying  hour;  and  when  lie  suggested  that  she  should  send  her 
thanks  for  all  his  attention  both  to  her  spiritual  and  temporal  wants, 
she  looked  up  to  him  with  a  smile,  and  said,  "  tell  him  no  thanks 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OP   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  123 

t  f  mine  can  repay  him,  but  God  will  reward  him."  "With  a  true 
;  jfinement  of  feeling  she  presented  me  with  a  little  collection  of 
!  ymns  which  Frank  had  given  her,  and  in  which  she  had  marked 
'hose  which  best  expressed  her  feelings. 

"  Oh,  Death ! 
"  Youth  and  the  opening  rose 

May  look  like  things  too  glorious  for  decay, 
And  smile  at  thee — but  thou  art  not  of  those 
That  wait  the  ripened  bloom  to  seize  their  prey." 


Thursday j  ScpteMter  10th. 

Frank  is  trying  to  arrange  his  business  for  a  journey  with  me 
rs  soon  as  he  can  leave  Emily,  who  gains  daily.  A  very  free 
conversation  passed  between  her  and  mother,  relative  not  only  to 
tie  new  feelings  and  hopes  which  fill  her  soul;  but  also  to  her 
f;  Section  for  Mr.  Benson.  On  the  latter  of  these  subjects,  she  has 
1  <  re  to  fore  maintained  the  most  rigid  reserve,  excepting  only  the 
I  assionatc  expressions  which  I  heard.  Since  that  interview  a  new 
t'e  seems  to  be  formed  between  them.  Mother  no  longer  feels 
obliged  to  restrain  the  outward  manifestation  of  affection  for  her 
child,  while  sister  in  her  softened,  subdued  state  heartily  recipro 
cates  her  feelings  and  expressions. 

Saturday,  September  12th. 

I  went  yesterday  with  the  Doctor  to  make  a  call  upon  Mrs.  Dr. 
Clapp.  From  a  variety  of  reasons  I  have  been  prevented  from 
calling  early,  as  I  intended ;  but  with  these  reasons  both  the  Doctor 
and  his  wife  were  well  acquainted.  They  have  rented  a  little  bird 
cage  of  a  house,  where  the  young  bride  performs  the  offices  of 
cook,  house-keeper  and  chambermaid.  The  proud  husband,  who 
1-  :-till  so  unfortunate  as  to  have  plenty  of  leisure,  showed  us  all 
tL  ir  conveniences,  and  evidently  thought  himself  the  happiest  man, 
and  his  wife  the  dearest  woman  in  the  country.  She  is  obviously 
a  keeper  at  home,  shrinking  like  a  sensitive  plant  from  contact 


124  CORA   AND   THE   DOCTOR  ; 

with  strangers,  but  unfolding  and  expanding  in  the  congenial  at 
mosphere  of  home,  and  home  friends.  No  doubt  the  grateful 
Doctor  had  set  forth  in  glowing  terms  "  the  unprecedented  kind 
ness  of  Dr.  Lenox."  With  many  blushes  she  thanked  me  cordially 
for  the  kind  interest  we  had  taken  in  his  welfare.  Frank  made 
satisfactory  arrangements  with  Dr.  Clapp,  as  to  leaving  his  business 
with  him  during  our  short  absence,  and  when  he  began  earnestly 
to  express  his  thanks,  my  husband  cut  him  short  by  saying,  "  I 
regard  myself  altogether  as  the  obliged  party."  We  enjoyed  the 
visit  much.  -4fter  returning  a  few  of  the  many  calls  made  upon 
me,  I  was  grau  to  be  at  home  again.  "  There  is  no  place  like 
home." 

Monday,  September  \Mh. 

We  have  decided  to  leave  home  on  Wednesday  morning,  in 
order  to  take  P on  our  way,  to  be  present  at  a  Quaker  wed 
ding,  when  Elizabeth  Estes  will  become"  Elizabeth  Nelson.  We 

expect  to  go  to  B ,  a  flourishing  town  in  the  western  part  of 

New  York.  I  pleaded  hard  to  take  Pauline  with  me,  as  Ann  could 
well  be  spared  for  nurse  ;  but  the  Doctor  was  inexorable.  When 
he  is  decided,  one  might  as  well  undertake  to  remove  the  moun 
tains  into  the  sea,  as  to  change  his  determination.  Yet  I  must 
confess  his  decisions  are  generally  wise.  Respectful  as  he  always 
is  to  his  mother,  and  ready  to  yield  to  her  wishes,  yet  when  she 
sees  he  has  fully  made  up  his  mind  upon  a  point,  she  never  tries 
to  change  his  decision.  Pauline  will  remain  under  the  care  of 
mother  and  Emily.  Frank  is  determined  that  I  shall  reap  great 
benefit  from  this  journey,  and  so  I  suppose  I  shall.  In  truth,  my 
health  is  his  great  motive  for  going.  I  have  grown  excessively 
nervous  and  low-spirited.  I  want  to  sit  on  a  cricket  at  your  feet, 
and  lay  my  head  in  your  lap,  dear  mother,  and  have  you  comfort 
and  cheer  me.  I  try  to  reason  with  myself  that  I  ha-ve  no  occa 
sion  to  feel  thus,  but  I  cannot  help  it ;  the  next  morning  I  am  as 
bad  as  ever.  Frank  tries  to  comfort  me  by  saying  that  it  is  owing 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIANS    WIFE.  125 

0  my  state  of  health  and  to  my  loss  of  appetite,  and  that  I  shall 
oon  be  better. 

Tuesday,  September  15th. 
This  morning  Ann  knocked  at  my  door,  and  said  Phebe  begged 

1  would  go  to  the  kitchen.     I  went  and  found  a  little  girl  and 
oy  hand  in  hand  awaiting  me.     The  girl  I  should  judge  was  six 

DI*  seven  years  of  age ;  the  boy  was  not  more  than  four.  He 
:<ept  his  eyes  fixed  upon  me,  with  an  earnest,  serious  expression, 
while  his  sister  explained  her  errand,  as  if  the  business  they  came 
upon,  was  in  their  opinion  of  great  importance  and  magnitude. 
The  little  girl,  in  a  singularly  sweet  voice,  asked  me  humbly  if 
1  had  any  work  I  wanted  to  have  done.  I  smiled  as  I  inquired, 
•'  is  the  work  for  you  or  for  your  brother  ?  "  She  understood  the 
>:nile  and  said  quickly,  "  I  can  weed  in  a  garden,  or  run  of  errands, 
or,"  turning  to  Phebe  with  rather  a  doubtful  look,  "  scour  knives 
and  wash  dishes.  I  '11  be  very  careful  not  to  break  them,  ma'am." 
"  Where  are  your  parents,  Anna  ?  "  I  asked  when  she  had  given 
me  her  name. 

"  My  mother  is  sick  in  bed,"  she  replied  sadly. 
'•And  your  father,  is  lie  dead  ?  " 

"  No,  ma'am,"  she  answered,  timidly  dropping  her  eyes  to  the 
floor,  while  a  burning  blush  flashed  over  her  pale  wan  countenance, 
extending  even  to  her  very  temples.  Her  little  brother  looked  at 
her,  and  then  at  me.  Encouraged,  I  suppose,  by  my  sympathy, 
he  said,  "  Pa  aint  good.  Pa  's  a  bad  man,  he  licks  ma  when  she 's 
sick." 

I  hastily  inquired  where  they  lived,  and  requesting  Phebe  to 
give  th^m  some  breakfast  returned  to  my  room,  where  Frank  was 
:  Having.  I  told  him  what  I  had  heard,  when  he  interrupted  me, 
-Ah,  3  lias  been  having  another  spree  !  I  'm  sorry  for  his 

:  dor    .         ai  irt'ii.     This  man/'  ?aid  hn,  turning  from  the 

mirror  to  look  at  me,  "  is  another  of  Squire  Lee's  hopeful  proteges. 
( fti  I"  he  continued  after  a  moment's  pause,  while  he  went  on  with 

11* 


126  COEA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

his  shaving,  "  the  misery  that  distillery  has  caused  in  this  place, 
would  if  written  down  fill  volumes." 

"  What  can  I  do  for  the  poor  children,"  I  asked.  "  They  want 
work." 

"  Well,  give  them  something  to  do,  and  pay  them  with  a  basket 
of  food.  Mrs.  Reynolds  would  hardly  accept  it  as  a  gift.  I  will 
ride  around  that  way  when  I  am  out,  and  see  what  can  be  done." 

As  I  returned  to  the  kitchen,  I  fairly  taxed  my  ingenuity  to 
find  some  employment  suited  to  their  capacities ;  but  in  vain.  So 
I  determined  to  appeal  to  Phebe.  "  My  good  Phebe,"  said  I, 
"  have  you  no  work  for  these  children  who  are  so  anxious  to  be 
employed  ?  " 

"  Laws  now  missus  !  "  answered  Phebe,  "  It 's  no  kinder  use 
settin  sich  babies  to  work.  There 's  heaps  on  em  comes  here  a 
beggin.  If  missus  would  give  em  a  cold  bite  now  to  carry  to 
their  sick  ma,  'pears  like  dere  'd  b*e  some  use  in  dat  ar." 

I  wish  I  could  describe  to  you  the  anxious  expression  with  which 
these  poor  little  creatures  regarded  Phebe  as  she  replied,  as  if 
they  would  implore  her  to  answer  more  favorably.  I  saw  that 
the  good  woman  had  no  idea  of  the  real  state  of  the  case,  and 
taking  her  into  the  hall  I  explained  to  her  that  they  had  not  been 
used  to  begging,  and  I  did  not  like  to  break  down  the  independence 
and  delicacy  of  feeling,  I  so  much  admired.  With  a  toss  of  her 
turban  the  truly  kind-hearted  woman  signified  that  she  fully  un 
derstood  me,  and  when  I  told  her  farther  that  her  master  was  go 
ing  out  directly  to  the  aid  of  their  mother,  she  was  ready  to  do 
her  full  part  in  assisting  them.  She  stood  one  moment  to  think 
what  she  should  set  them  about,  as  she  expressed  it,  when  her 
countenance  brightened  as  she  exclaimed,  "  Wai  now,  if  that  ar 
aint  kind  o'  curus.  There 's  me  's  been  a  tellin  my  ole  man  how 
desp't  bad  I  wanted  de  brush  picked  up  clean  out  dar  in  de  orchard 
fore  cold  wedder  comes ;  but  laws,  he  never  has  no  time  for  not- 
ting."  When  we  returned  to  the  kitchen,  the  brother  and  sister 
had  finished  their  breakfast,  and  sat  awaiting  the  important  decision. 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  127 

I  suggested  that  it  would  be  well  for  them  to  carry  something 
previously  to  their  mother,  and  obtain  her  consent  to  remain 
through  the  day.  She  would  thus  be  relieved  from  all  anxiety 
concerning  them. 

As  I  committed  the  basket  of  food  to  the  eager  hand  stretched 
out  for  it,  I  was  struck  with  the  expression  of  the  child's  counte 
nance.  It  shone  like  that  of  an  angel.  Nor  did  I  wonder  at  it, 
when  gently  pulling  my  dress  she  reached  up  to  speak  to  me,  and 
said,  "  I  felt  sure,  ma'am,  we  should  get  some,"  glancing  at  the 
basket. 

«Why,  my  dear?" 

"  Because  this  morning,  I  said,  please  God  give  me  some  bread 
for  my  poor  sick  ma." 

"  Were  you  sure,  God  would  hear  you  ?  "  I  asked,  wishing  to 
hear  farther.  Looking  up  in  surprise,  she  answered,  while  her 
eyes  grew  bright,  "  why  you  know  ma'am,  he  says,  '  ask  and  ye 
shall  receive.'  Ma  told  me  that  he  says  so  in  the  Bible." 

What  a  beautiful  lesson  of  trust !  I  kissed  them  both  and  let 
them  go.  Phebe,  whose  sympathies  were  now  thoroughly  enlisted, 
followed  them  to  the  door,  saying,  "  tell  your  ma,  she  shan  't  want 
for  vittles  while  mass'r  'lows  ole  Phebe  to  save  em  for  yees ;  " 
and  then  remembering  what  I  had  told  her,  she  added,  "  tell  her 
thar  's  heaps  o'  work  o'  waiting  for  yees." 

Afternoon. 

As  I  have  finished  my  packing,  I  will  tell  you  that  Phebe's 
proteges,  Anna  and  Willie,  soon  returned  and  went  to  work  with 
such  good  will  upon  the  brush  that  madam  was  enthusiastic  in 
their  praise.  They  brought  me  word  that  their  mother  was  very 
much  obliged  to  me  for  letting  them  earn  the  food.  The  Doctor 
found  her  sick  with  a  cold.  In  a  fit  of  intoxication  her  husband 
turned  her  out  of  the  house,  where  she  was  obliged  to  remain 
until  chilled  through.  Frank  advised  her  to  complain  to  the 
public  authorities  and  have  him  confined  for  a  time.  "  Oh, 


128  CORA    AND    THE    DOCTOTC. 

Doctor!"  slie  replied,  •'•' lie 's  o  If  when  lie  treats  me  so 

ill.     He  never  would  do  ii,  if  it  were  not  for  rum.     Oh,  u 
she  continue*],  beginning  to  cry,  u  we  v.'ere  so  luiypy  until  lie  went 
to  work  in  that  horrid  distillery." 

How  many  poor  distressed  wives  and  children  have  raid  she 
same  !  Happy  indeed  should  we  be  if  it  were  not  i'oi-rum!  I 
have  become  so  much  interested  in  the  family,  that  I  would  gladly 
postpone  my  journey  another  day,  for  the  sake  of  visiting  her, 
were  it  not  for  my  desire  to  be  present  at  Elizabeth's  wedding. 
Mother  Lenox  needed  no  urging  to  attend  to  the  wants  of  the 
family  while  the  Doctor  is  absent.  I  requested  Frank  to  give 
me  the  history  of  the  ReynoldsTamily  ;  but  he  smiled  as  he  said, 
"you  are  so  systematic  a  person  I  should  be  obliged  to  begin  at 
the  beginning,  and  relate  every  fact  in  due  order,  which  would 
take  more  time  than  I  can  well  spare."  He  promised,  however, 
to  gratify  my  curiosity  at  another  time.  Dear  little  Pauline  has 
no  idea  that  I  am  to  leave  her.  But  she  will  be  taken  good  care 
of  I  doubt  not.  Emily  pets  her  rather  too  much. 


CHAPTER    XIV. 

"  On  tliee,  blest  youth,  a  father's  hand  confers 

The  maid  thy  earliest,  fondest  wishes  knew  5 
Each  soft  enchantment  of  the  soul  is  hers  ; 
Thine  be  the  joys  to  firm  attachment  due." 

KOGERS. 


Monday,  October 
IT  is  six  months  to  day  since  I  was  married  and  left  my 
beloved  home.  What  would  you  say  to  your  daughter  if  she 
were  to  tell  you  that  sometimes  she  has  been  so  unthankful  for 
all  her  mercies  as  to  wish  she  had  never  left  the  shelter  of  the 
paternal  roof  or  the  warm  embrace  of  parents  and  sisters.  But  so 
it  has  been,  and  I  have  determined  to  confess  it  to  you.  I  think  it 
will  guard  me  from  ever  indulging  again  in  distrust  or  jealousy. 
But  I  forget  that  I  have  told  you  nothing  of  our  journey  and 
return.  I  have  enough  to  fill  many  pages  of  my  journal. 

We  started  on  a  clear,  bright  morning  in  September,  and  in 
two  or  three  hours  reached  P  -  .  We  went  directly  to  the  house 
of  Friend  Shove,  where  we  met  by  appointment  Friend  Estes, 
her  husband  Jotham,  and  her  daughter  Elizabeth.  I  suppose 
Jenny,  our  old  nurse  at  home,  would  have  told  me  as  she  used 
sometimes  to  do  when  I  was  a  child,  that  I  had  "  got  out  of  bed 
wrong,"  for  I  felt  cross  all  the  morning.  And  when  as  we  rode 
on,  (we  were  in  our  own  carriage,  and  some  of  the  wedding 
party  were  to  take  it  back,)  Frank  tried  to  .  cheer  me,  and  said 
kindly,  "  You  must  expect  sometimes  to  feel  a  little  out  of  tune," 
I  only  felt  worse.  When,  however,  I  saw  the  smooth,  placid  face 
of  Friend  Estes,  and  her  bright,  smiling,  blushing  Lizzie,  as  she 


130  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

is  affectionately  called,  I  began  to  think  there  were  pleasant  spots 
in  the  world  after  all.  And  when  I  had  sat  down  at  a  neat  table 
covered  with  everything  to  tempt  one's  appetite,  and  had  taken 
a  cup  of  delicious  coffee,  and  a  slice  of  ham,  I  felt  decidedly  more 
reconciled  to  life.  I  could  eat  nothing  before  I  started.  After 
waiting  half  an  hour,  we  all  walked  to  meeting,  where,  as  in  Eng 
land,  among  the  same  denomination,  the  males  occupy  one  part 
of  the  house  and  the  females  the  other.  Josiah  Nelson  and  Eliz 
abeth  Estes  sat  on  the  high  seat  in  front  of  the  audience,  and  in 
sight  of  all  of  them.  After  sitting  for  some  time  without  a  word 
being  spoken,  Josiah  arose  and  took  Elizabeth  by  the  hand,  say 
ing,  "  In  the  presence  of  this  assembly,  I  take  this  my  friend 
Elizabeth  Estes  to  be  my  wife,  promising  through  divine  assist 
ance  to  be  unto  her  a  faithful  and  affectionate  husband  until  death 
shall  separate  us." 

Then  Elizabeth  in  a  sweet  voice  which  she  vainly  tried  to  keep 
from  trembling,  said,  still  holding  her  friend  by  the  hand,  "  In  the 
presence  of  this  assembly,  I  take  this  my  friend  Josiah  Nelson  to 
be  my  husband,  promising  through  divine  assistance,  to  be  un 
to  him  a  faithful  and  affectionate  wife  until  death  shall  separate 
us." 

They  then  subscribed  their  names  to  the  certificate,  which  was 
as  follows :  — "  Whereas,  Josiah,  son  of  Samuel  and  Hannah 
Nelson,  and  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Jotham  and  Elizabeth  Estes, 
have  declared  their  intentions  of  taking  each  other  in  marriage  to 

—  monthly  meeting  of  the  Society  of  Friends  held  in  P , 

according  to  the  good  order  used  among  them ;  and  their  proceed 
ings  after  due  inquiry  and  deliberate  consideration  thereof  being 
allowed  by  the  said  meeting ;  they  appearing  clear  of  all  others, 
and  having  consent  of  parents,  these  are  to  certify  to  all  whom  it 
may  concern,  that  for  the  full  accomplishment  of  their  said  inten 
tion,  this  sixteenth  day  of  the  ninth  month,  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty-five,  they,  the  said 
J.  N.  and  E.  E.,  appeared  at  a  religious  meeting  of  the  aforesaid 


OK,  REVELATIONS    OF    A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  181 

ociety  in  P ,  and  did  declare,"  etc.     [See  marriage  contract 

;s  above.] 

After  this  novel  and  interesting  ceremony  had  concluded,  we 
•eturned  to  a  most  bountiful  dinner  with  the  hospitable  family  of 
-  Viend  Shove  ;  and  soon  after  bidding  our  friends  "  farewell,"  we 
proceeded  on  our  journey. 


CHAPTER    XV. 

"  Foul  jealousy !  that  turnest  love  divine 
To  joyless  dread,  or  mak'st  the  loving  heart 
With  hateful  thoughts  to  languish  and  to  pine, 
And  feed  itself  with  self-consuming  smart ; 
Of  all  the  passions  in  the  mind  thou  vilest  art. 

SPENSEK. 

Evening,  October  19th. 

.  WE   reached  B on   Tuesday   evening,    September   22d, 

where  we  were  cordially  welcomed  by  Mrs.  Morgan,  a  sister  of 
Frank's  father.  The  family  consists  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morgan, 
and  their  son  Joseph  Lenox,  named  for  his  uncle.  There  was 
also  Mrs.  Fidelia  Schuyler,  an  orphan  neice  of  aunt  Morgan,  who 
had  been  married  but  a  few  months.  She  is  a  child  of  aunt  Mor 
gan's  brother,  who  has  been  deceased  many  years.  As  I  shall 
have  much  to  say  of  her,  I  will  describe  her  as  she  presented  her 
self  to  me  at  the  time.  She  appeared  to  be  about  twenty  years 
of  age,  with  very  light  flaxen  hair,  hanging  in  loose  curls  at  the 
side  of  her  face.  She  had  blue  eyes,  and  a  somewhat  fair  com 
plexion.  At  the  first  glance  I  thought  her  a  very  little  like 
Emily  in  expression ;  but'  afterwards  wondered  how  I  could  have 
thought  so.  Emily's  eyes  are  a  splendid  gray,  fringed  with  long, 
black  lashes,  and  her  hair  is  the  darkest  shade  of  auburn,  like 
Frank's. 

Fidelia  received  me  cordially  enough ;  as  I  was  a  stranger,  I 
could  not  expect  she  would  be  as  glad  to  see  me  as  she  was  to 
see  her  own  cousin.  I  felt  almost  hurt  that  Frank  did  not  more 
fully  reciprocate  her  joy  at  their  meeting.  There  was  a  perfect 


REVELATIONS    Olf   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  133 

fa  icination  to  me  about  this  young  bride.  She  was  constantly 
cl  anging  like  the  colors  and  figures  in  a  kaleidoscope.  Some 
times  she  would  introduce  conversation  with  the  Doctor  upon 
p<  litics,  and  really  talk  very  sensibly,  so  that  I  felt  ashamed  that 
I  was  ignorant  of  such  subjects.  Then  she  would  talk  of  old 
times  in  a  manner  I  did  not  at  all  understand.  I  fancied  once  or 
tv  ice  that  Frank,  to  whom  all  this  conversation  was  addressed, 
looked  rather  annoyed,  and  supposed  it  was  in  consequence  of  my 
li:-  tening  so  closely ;  I  therefore  turned  to  my  cousin  Joseph.  He 
cl  limed  me  as  such,  before  I  stepped  from  the  carriage.  He  is  a  fine 
in  i  (Diligent  youth  near  my  own  age  I  should  imagine ;  and  though 
h<  made  many  inquiries  about  his  aunt  and  Emily,  which  I  was 
occupied  in  answering,  yet  I  could  not  wholly  withdraw  my  atten 
tion  from  the  cousin  near  me.  Her  voice  would  often  drop  to  so 
lo  Ar  a  key  that  I  could  not  distinguish  the  words ;  but  its  intona 
tion  was  soft  and  languishing,  and  her  whole  appearance,  to  say 
the  least,  as  she  sat  upon  the  sofa  with  Frank,  was  certainly 
peculiar.  Joseph  observed  my  frequent  glances  in  that  direction, 
ard  he  whispered,  "The  greatest  coquette,"  motioning  with  his 
head  towards  his  cousin,  "  in  the  known  world." 

"Is  she  a  widow  then?"  I  asked  eagerly,  "I  understood  aunt 
she  was  Mrs,  Schuyler ;  if  so,  I  should  hardly  think,  she  would 
waste  her  energies  on  a  married  man.  You  would  be  a  better 
subject."  He  laughed  so  heartily  that  for  a  minute  or  so,  he  in 
terrupted  the  conversation  on  the  sofa,  when  I  heard  Fidelia  say 
to  Frank,  in  a  voice  hardly  raised  above  a  whisper,  "  Your  wife 
seems  very  free  and  easy ;  I  suppose  it  results  from  her  being 
educated  in  Paris.  One  would  think  from  her  manner,  she  had 
been  acquainted  with  Joseph  a  long  time." 

I  could  hear  no  more,  for  at  that  moment  Joseph  commenced 
again. 

'•  My  dear  coz,  how  old  do  you  take  me  to  be  ?  " 

"  About  as  old  as  I  am,"  I  replied. 

"  Ah !  now,  I  shall  have  a  fino  chance  to  find  your  age.     Doc- 
12 


134  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOK; 

tor,"  said  he,  breaking  in  upon  their  conversation,  "  will  you  favor 
me  with  the  exact  age  of  your  wife  ?  "  The  Doctor  looked  as  if 
he  did  not  quite  understand. 

"  She  thinks,"  he  continued,  "  that  I  am  about  as  old  as  she  is. 
Now  to  ascertain  the  correctness  of  this  judgment,  I  apply  to  you 
for  the  year,  month,  and  day,  of  her  birth." 

"  How  vulgar,"  whispered  Fidelia. 

I  laughed  at  the  mock  gravity  of  his  manner,  and  should  have 
been  entirely  deceived  by  it,  had  it  not  been  for  a  merry  glance  from 
his  eye.  "I  could  easily  have  answered  the  question,"  said  I,  "if  you 
had  applied  to  me ;  I  was  born,  as  I  have  been  informed,  on  the 
fourth  day  of  February,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  seventeen, 
and  am  therefore,  at  the  present  time,  eighteen  years,  seven 
months,  and  eighteen  days."  I  imitated  his  manner  as  I  replied. 
He  bowed  almost  to  the  floor,  and  resumed  his  seat. 

"  Astonishing ! "  murmured  Fidelia,  "  she  is  very  free  to  tell 
her  age,  now  she  is  married" 

Frank  started  to  meet  his  aunt  who  was  returning  to  the  room 
after  having  attended  to  her  evening  duties.  He  led  her  to  a 
distance,  where  they  were  soon  absorbed  in  an  interesting  conver 
sation,  in  which  they  were  joined  by  uncle  Morgan,  a  thorough 
gentleman  of  the  old  school,  perhaps  a  little  too  formal  in  his  ex 
treme  politeness,  but  a  very  excellent  husband  and  father.  He 
is  a  lawyer,  and  a  man  of  considerable  wealth.  Fidelia  often 
looked  that  way  as  if  wishing  to  follow  her  cousin,  but  at  length 
left  the  sofa,  and  took  a  seat  near  us  ;  but  not  before  Joseph  had 
asked  me-  in  a  hurried  manner  how  old  I  thought  she  was. 

"  I  will '  guess,' "  said  I,  "  she  is  nineteen  or  twenty." 

"  Add  ten  to  that,"  he  replied  quickly,  as  she  approached. 

After  half  an  hour,  during  which  time  Joseph  did  most  of  the 
talking,  aunt  came  to  me  remarking  that  I  looked  very  tired  and 
had  better  retire.  This  I  was  glad  to  do,  and  she  said  she  would 
accompany  me ;  but  Fidelia  begged  so  earnestly  for  the  privilege, 
that  I  requested  aunt  to  remain  with  Frank.  Contrary  to  my 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S  WIFE.  135 

ex  >ectation,  and  indeed  to  my  wish,  she  entered  my  room,  and 
remained  so  long  I  had  no  excuse  for  not  undressing ;  and  at  length 
Wiss  obliged  to  do  so  in  the  presence  of  an  entire  stranger.  She 
continued  talking,  however,  in  a  most  confidential  strain.  "  I  sup 
pose  you  don't  wonder,"  she  commenced,  "  that  Frank,  (the  rest 
of  the  family  called  him  Doctor,)  and  I  are  so  glad  to  see  one 
an  other,  considering," — she  stopped. 

"  Considering  what  ?  "  I  asked  in  surprise  at  her  manner,  which 
in  plied  far  more  than  her  words  expressed. 

She  hesitated,  "why  considering  that  we  were  brought  up 
together.  Aunt  Lenox  adopted  me  when  mother  died,  and  I 
al  ways  lived  at  your  house.  What  room  do  you  occupy  ?  "  she 
a^ked. 

I  answered  reluctantly,  though  I  could  not  tell  why.  There 
was  something  very  unpleasant  about  her  conversation.  It 
always,  unintentionally  perhaps,  left  a  sting.  She  went  on  to  in 
form  me  in  the  strictest  confidence,  that  she  and  Frank  had  been 
fondly  attached  to  one  another. 

"  Why,"  I  asked,  "  was  this  friendship  given  up  ?  " 

" Friendship"  she  repeated  in  a  theatrical  tone,  " say  rather 
ardent  love !  "  I  could  not  prevent  my  voice  from  trembling  a 
little  as  I  repeated  my  question. 

"Oh!"  she  replied  with  a  mysterious  air,  "aunt  Lenox  — 
peculiar  reasons." —  She  suddenly  started  on  hearing  a  step ; 
and  whispering,  "  not  a  word  of  all  this,  my  dear,"  hastily  left 
Die. 

I  don't  think  I  could  have  endured  it  a  moment  longer.  I 
never  felt  so  thoroughly  "  worked  up,"  as  the  Yankees  say  ;  and 
for  five  minutes  I  would  have  given  every  thing  I  possessed,  could 
I  have  been  safely  at  home  under  my  own  dear  mother's  roof. 
When  Frank  came  up,  I  could  only  feign  sleep  in  order  to  con 
ceal  my  new  and  strange  emotions  of  distrust  and  jealousy,  Fide 
lia  had  awakened  in  my  mind.  I  forced  myself  to  be  quiet  until 
Frank  was  asleep,  when  I  could  contain  myself  no  longer.  With 


136  CORA   AND   THE   DOCTOB; 

my  face  buried  in  the  pillow  to  stifle  my  sobs,  I  wept  until  I  could 
weep  no  longer.  I  lay  awake  all  night,  revolving  the  dreadful 
deception  which  I  fancied  had  been  practised  upon  me.  I  could 
well  understand,  I  thought,  why  mother  Lenox  had  never  even 
mentioned  Fidelia's  name  in  my  presence.  Nor  could  I  account 
for  the  fact  that  Frank  had  not,  except  upon  the  supposition  that 
what  she  had  told  me  was  true.  Indeed  the  truth  of  her  story  I 
did  not  for  a  moment  doubt. 

Tuesday,  October  2Qtfi. 

"When  I  awoke  the  next  morning,  which  I  did  from  a  troubled 
nap  after  day-break,  I  could  not  at  first  remember  what  had  hap 
pened,  such  a  heavy  weight  was  upon  my  spirits.  If  any  one 
had  told  me  then,  that  I  was  not  the  most  unhappy  person  in  the 
world,  I  should  have  considered  them  very  unkind. 

Frank  actually  started  when  I  tried  to  rise,  and  would  have 
persuaded  me  to  lie  down  again ;  but  1  was  determined  to  do  as  I 
chose,  and  persisted  until  a  sudden  fit  of  faintness  compelled  me  to 
return  to  my  bed.  I  felt  so  severely  the  effects  of  my  night's 
excitement,  that  I  began  to  be  really  anxious  about  the  result.  If 
Frank  spoke  to  me,  I  averted  my  head.  I  could  not  endure  to 
meet  his  eye ;  and  when  he  kindly  went  below  and  brought  a  cup 
of  coffee  to  the  bed,  I  refused  to  take  it.  I  could  only  sob  and 
say,  "  I  want  to  go  home.  I  must  see  my  own  mother." 

The  Doctor  was  now  seriously  alarmed,  and  went  for  aunt. 
With  true  motherly  kindness,  she  administered  to  me,  persuaded 
me  to  drink  the  coffee  and  eat  a  slice  of  dry  toast.  She  then 
smoothed  my  pillow,  darkened  the  room  and  left  me,  after  a  prom 
ise  that  I  would  at  least  try  to  sleep.  She  left  a  small  bell  upon 
the  table,  and  said,  "  no  one  shall  come  in  until  you  ring." 

To  my  surprise,  when  I  awoke,  the  sun  was  shining  high  in  the 
heavens ;  and  on  my  consulting  my  watch,  I  found  it  was  near 
noon.  I  arose  quietly  and  dressed,  and  not  a  little  astonished  the 
company  sitting  in  the  parlor  below,  by  my  sudden  entrance.  It 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE,  137 

i  aade  me  feel  no  better,  however,  to  perceive,  as  I  did  at  a  glance, 
!  hat  ray  husband  and  his  cousin  occupied  seats  near  each  oth^r  on 
•he  sofa,  as  on  the  previous  evening.  But  the  Doctor  was  busily 
ngaged  in  reading,  and  did  not  perceive  me  until  I  had  advanced 
.0  the  middle  of  the  room. 

"  There,  Frank,"  exclaimed  Fidelia,  as  he  sprang  up  to  give 
me  his  seat,  "  I  told  you,  you  were  unnecessarily  alarmed.  Now, 
sweet  cousin,"  said  she,  turning  to  look  up  in  my  face,  and  minc 
ing  her  words,  "  confess  you  were  only  shamming." 

"  Fidelia,"  said  my  aunt,  in  a  stern  voice.  I  did  not  look  to 
see  what  Frank  thought ;  I  did  not  care.  I  covered  my  eyes  to 
prevent  the  tears  from  being  seen.  I  wanted  to  keep  them  cov 
ered  forever  rather  than  to  see  Fidelia's  face  again.  In  justice 
to  myself,  I  ought  to  say,  that  probably  this  state  of  mind,  which 
was  greatly  aggravated  by  the  condition  of  my  health,  would  soon 
have  passed  away,  had  it  not  been  for  the  continual  suggestions 
and  insinuations  of  Fidelia.  Sometimes  by  a  word,  sometimes  by 
a  significant  shrug  of  the  shoulders ;  then,  again,  by  a  glance  of 
the  eye,  she  gave  a  false  coloring  to  the  most  trivial  words  or 
actions,  and 

"  Trifles,  light  as  air, 
Are,  to  the  jealous,  confirmations  strong 
As  proofs  of  holy  writ." 

All  this  time,  the  Doctor  grew  every  day  more  and  more  grave, 
almost  stern.  Now  and  then,  when  I  looked  up  suddenly,  I  met 
his  eye  fixed  upon  me  in  a  serious,  inquiring  manner,  as  if  he 
would  read  my  very  thoughts.  Though  I  felt  that  I  was  inno 
cent  of  any  wrong  toward  him,  and  that  he  had  deceived  and 
wronged  me,  yet  I  could  not  help  looking  very  much  confused. 

Joseph,  good  kind  Joseph,  was  the  life  of  the  house.  He  de 
voted  himself  to  my  comfort.  He  read  to  me,  toid  me  stories, 
and  was  never  tired  of  hearing  me  talk  about  my  sweet  little 
Pauline.  Oh !  how  in  imagination,  I  hugged  the  little  thing  to 
12* 


138  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

my  heart,  as  the  only  one  on  earth  in  whom  I  could  repose  entire 
trust.  Joseph  wove  many  a  tale  out  of  her  romantic  story,  in 
which  by  turns  she  figured  as  a  Countess,  a  Duchess,  or,  at  least, 
as  Lady  Pauline.  I  told  him,  I  was  entirely  satisfied  to  have 
her  plain  Pauline  Lenox.  Then  the  merry  fellow  asked  me  to 
educate  her  for  a  wife  for  him.  "  That  would  be  just  the  thing, 
and  your  desire  could  be  satisfied  by  having  her  name  unchanged, 
I  would  merely  add  Morgan  to  it. 

"  Now,  Coz"  said  he  one  day,  "  I'm  serious  about  this  matter ; 
I've  been  looking  about  for  a  year  or  two ;  and  I  have  seen  no 
one  whom  I  should  wish  to  honor  with  my  name  and  title.  I  lay 
awake  all  last  night  thinking  what  a  fine  thing  it  would  be  to 
have  her  educated  for  me." 

,  I  could  not  help  laughing  as  I  replied,  "  I  should  shrink  from 
so  responsible  an  employment." 

"  Why,  Coz,"  he  said  earnestly,  unconsciously  raising  his  voice, 
"  Make  her  like  yourself.  I  ask  no  greater  joy  than  to  possess 
the  hand  of  one  in  every  respect  like  yourself." 

At  the  last  sentence,  I  noticed  that  Fidelia  gave  the  Doctor  a 
quick  glance  to  direct  his  attention  to  us ;  and  I  heard  her  say, 
"  quite  sentimental."  Frank  started  from  his  chair  with  a  terri 
ble  look,  such  as  I  had  never  seen  but  once  before,  and  that  was 
when  I  told  him  of  Emily's  treatment  of  Mr.  Benson.  He 
walked  quickly  across  the  room,  but  appearing  to  recollect  him 
self,  he  took  a  book  and  resumed  his  seat.  I  detected  a  smile  of 
exultation  on  Fidelia's  face  which  in  vain  I  tried  to  account  for  or 
understand. 

Joseph  bent  down  over  me,  taking  my  hand  as  he  did  so,  and 
while  he  played  with  the  rings  on  my  fingers  said,  sinking  his 
voice  to  the  lowest  key,  "  What  can  the  matter  be  ?  You  may 
always  be  sure  there  is  mischief  where  Fidelia  is." 

I  started  ;  —  how  true  this  had  been  in  my  case  !  I  fell  into  a 
long  reverie  ;  so  long  that  Joseph  took  up  a  paper  to  read.  I 
thought  over  all  she  had  told  me  from  our  first  interview ;  look- 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  139 

in  f  at  this  subject  and  that  by  the  light  of  the  new  revelation,  I 
h;  d  of  her  character.  But  there  were  stern  facts  to  be  met. 
She  had  passed  all  the  early  part  of  her  life  in  the  closest  in 
timacy  with  my  husband ;  they  had  loved  each  other  ardently; 
nay,  she  had  hinted  that  at  one  time  they  were  affianced.  And 
yut  this  had  been  sacredly  kept  from  me,  while  he  had  often  told 
n  e  I  was  the  first  object  of  his  affection.  Then  I  could  not  shut 
n  y  eyes  to  the  fact  that  Frank  was  entirely  different  in  his  man- 
n  3r  toward  me.  I  could  hardly  believe  him  to  be  the  same  man. 
As  day  after  day  passed  he  grew  more  and  more  polite  ;  but  it 
v  as  a  frigid  politeness,  which  chilled  my  very  blood  ;  and  this, 
too,  at  a  time  when  my  health  demanded  unusual  tenderness.  I 
sometimes  wonder  even  now,  how  all  this  could  have  happened, 
find  Aunt  Morgan  not  have  noticed  it  more  particularly.  But 
t  ten  I  remember  that  she  had  not  known  her  nephew  intimately 
f  jr  many  years  ;  and  I  was  a  perfect  stranger  to  her.  She  knew 
r  ot  that,  until  we  arrived  at  her  house,  we  had  been  all  the  world 
to  each  other. 

On  Saturday  afternoon,  Mr.  Schuyler  arrived.  He  is  of  Ger 
man  origin,  rather  abrupt  in  manner,  but  possessing  naturally,  I 
should  imagine,  a  warm  heart  and  capable  of  making  a  loving 
\vife  happy  by  the  strength  of  his  affection.  But  I  had  not  been 
in  company  with  them  many  hours  before  I  saw  that  Mrs.  Schuy 
ler  was  recklessly  throwing  away  her  own  happiness,  and  that  of 
her  husband.  By  every  means  in  her  power,  she  contrived  to 
render  him  she  had  sworn  to  "  love,  honor  and  obey,"  uncom 
fortable,  nay,  even  wretched.  He  had  some  slight  peculiarities 
of  person  to  which  she  referred  in  the  presence  of  the  family,  in 
si  manner  so  unbecoming  and  unlady-like,  that  my  cheeks  burned 
with  shame  and  indignation.  I  could  see  that  it  was  with  diffi 
culty  that  he  refrained  from  giving  her  a  tart  reply. 

But  all  other  annoyances  were  slight  compared  with  the  one 
great  desire  which  had  taken  possession  of  her  soul,  which  was  to 
render  her  husband  jealous  of  the  Doctor.  To  this  one  purpose 


140  CORA  AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

she  bent  all  her  powers.  I  cannot  describe  to  you  the  variety  of 
conflicting  emotions  sti-uggling  for  mastery  during  the  hours  of 
that  never  to  be  forgotten  Sabbath.  I  had  slept  little  the  night 
previous,  but  had  lain  awake  revolving  the  character  of  my 
cousin,  and,  for  the  first  time,  doubts  of  her  truthfulness  began  to 
intrude  themselves  into  my  mind.  I  acknowledged  her  fascina 
tion,  her  great  conversational  powers,  but  I  could  not  shut  my 
eyes  to  the  fact  that  all  these  gifts  were  perverted  to  unlawful 
purposes,  such  as  would  surely  destroy  not  only  her  own,  and  her 
husband's  happiness,  but  the  happiness  of  all  with  whom  she  as 
sociated.  Even  in  my  troubled  sleep  she  was  before  me,  and 
appeared  like  the  serpents  I  had  read  of,  who  fascinate  and  charm 
but  to  destroy. 

On  Sabbath  morning,  Fidelia  appeared  elaborately  dressed  and 
really  looked  beautiful.  Frank's  eyes  rested  upon  her  with  such 
a  singular  expression  that  I  looked  at  him  with  wonder.  I  had 
before  thought  her  free  in  manner  with  him,  but  now  I  was 
amazed.  I  had  never  even  imagined  any  person  so  artfully  in 
sinuating.  Sometimes  I  determined  to  leave  the  room,  unable 
longer  to  endure  the  annoyance  and  excitement  ;  but  the 
next  moment  I  was  restrained  by  a  desire  to  see  what  would 
follow. 

Directly  after  family  prayers,  she  availed  herself  of  a  seat 
near  the  Doctor,  and,  leaning  familiarly  on  the  arm  of  his  chair, 
said,  "  Dear  Frank,  I've  so  often  longed  to  talk  with  you  upon 
some  subjects  connected  with  my  spiritual  interests !  You,  dear 
cousin,  always  understood  my  inner  nature,  my  better  feelings. 
Oh,"  said  she,  slightly  raising  her  voice,  and  sighing  heavily  as 
she  glanced  toward  her  husband,  "  how  I  have  longed  for  a  con 
genial  spirit  —  for  some  one  who  could  appreciate  my  aspirations 
after  higher  good.  Dear  cousin,"  she  added,  laying  her  hand  on 
his,  and  gazing  up  into  his  face  with  an  expression  of  languishing 
fondness,  "those  were  blissful  days  when  we  scarce  called  a 
thought  or  wish  our  own,  until  we  had  imparted  it  to  each  other." 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  141 

Frank  started  from  his  seat,  and  I  was  sure  there  "was  a  strong 
e>  pression  of  disgust  upon  his  countenance.  But  the  indignant 
hi  sband  saw  not  this.  He  had  caught  his  hat  and  rushed  from 
the  house. 

Fidelia  remarked  with  a  sneer,  "  it  is  a  great  grief  to  me  that 

I  have  never  been  able  to  prevail  with  Mr.  Schuyler  to  keep  in 
i(  iors  on  the  Sabbath.     It  is  really  disgraceful  to  see  any  one  so 
i  >enly  profane  the  day." 

"  Fidelia,"  said  the  Doctor,  in  a  reproving  tone,  "  The  God  of 

II  ie  Sabbath  requires  not  only  an  outward  observance,  but  a  regu- 
'<  lion  of  the  thoughts  and  feelings  of  the  heart.     We  may  offend 
«im  as  truly  by  indulging  in  unkind  thoughts  or  improper  feel- 
tigs,  as  by  any  outward  violation  of  the  sanctity  of  the  day." 

I  expected  Fidelia  would  be  offended  by  the  plainness  of  this 
speech ;  but  to  my  surprise  she  caught  Frank's  hand,  and  pressed 
i:  again  and  again  to  her  lips ;  and  with  her  eyes,  which  were 
humid  with  tears  fixed  lovingly  upon  his,  she  said  in  a  sad  tone, 
'•  Oh,  Frank  !  if  I  could  only  have  had  you  near  me  to  point  out 
r.iy  faults  kindly  and  tenderly,  I  might  have  been  happy  and 
good.  Don't  blame  your  poor  Fidelia,  who,  connected  with  a  man 
with  whom  she  has  not  a  single  feeling  of  communion,  is  indeed 
very  miserable." 

The  Doctor  appeared  much  perplexed  and  annoyed,  while 
Uncle  Morgan  walked  angrily  out  of  the  room.  Joseph  came 
and  sat  down  by  me,  and  began  in  a  low  voice  to  talk  of  his  won 
der  that  the  Doctor  did  not  see  through  and  despise  her  hypocrisy. 
"  I  can  endure  anything  else,"  said  he,  while  an  expression  of  in 
tense  abhorrence  passed  over  his  countenance ;  "  but  when  she 
gets  on  to  one  of  her  pious  strains,  I  have  to  call  to  mind  all  the 
consistent  piety  of  my  parents  to  keep  me  from  thinking  religion 
a  farce." 

"  Dear  Joseph,"  said  I,  "  it  distresses  me  to  hear  you  speak  so 
lightly  upon  religious  subjects.  It  is  the  want  of  religion  your 
reason  disapproves.  Believe  me,  true  piety  never  repels  in  the 


142  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR  5 

way  you  mention."  I  looked  up  to  meet  the  eyes  of  my  husband 
fixed  upon  me  with  such  sadness  that  the  blood  burned  in  my 
cheeks.  I  felt,  from  Fidelia's  looks,  there  was  something  wrong ; 
but  what,  I  could  not  imagine.  The  Doctor  left  the  room,  and 
soon  his  cousin  retired  to  dress  for  church.  Joseph  wished  to 
remain  with  me,  but  this  I  would  by  no  means  allow.  I  intended 
to  retire  to  my  own  apartment,  and  spend  the  time  in  a  manner 
befitting  the  sacredness  of  the  day. 

When  the  church  bell  rang,  the  family  assembled  in  the  par 
lor  ;  and  as  Mr.  Schuyler  had  not  returned,  Fidelia  put  her  arm 
in  Frank's  before  they  left  the  house.  I  could  not  resist  the  in 
clination  to  look  at  them  from  the  window.  She  hung  heavily  on 
his  arm  as  she  lovingly  turned  her  face  to  his.  I  pressed  my 
hand  to  my  heart  to  still  a  rising  thought  prejudicial  to  my  hus 
band,  and  returned  for  a  moment  to  my  seat.  Before  I  had  re 
covered  myself  sufficiently  to  go  to  my  room,  the  outer  door  burst 
open,  and  Mr.  Schuyler  entered,  in  no  enviable  frame  of  mind. 
He  had  met  his  wife  and  Frank  on  their  way  to  church,  and  had 
only  needed  the  look  of  unmistakable  affection  with  which  she 
regarded  her  companion  to  raise  his  jealousy  to  the  highest  pitch. 

He  appeared  wholly  unconscious  of  my  presence,  but  walked 
with  hasty  strides  across  the  room,  soliloquizing  in  an  angry  man 
ner  :  "  A  pretty  life  she  leads  me  !  She  says,  they  were  formerly 
engaged  to  be  married.  Upon  my  soul,  I  believe  it ;  though  I've 
found  out  long  ago  she  has  no  more  regard  for  the  truth  than 
that,"  vehemently  snapping  his  fingers.  "  Fool  that  I  was  to 
marry  her  —  to  be  so  taken  in  by  a  pretty  face  and  languishing 
looks  !  Bah !  it  makes  me  sick  to  see  her  fawning  round  the 
Doctor." 

He  walked  to  the  mantel  piece  and  stood  for  a  moment  looking 
into  the  fire,  when  he  commenced  again,  "  I  thought  her  an  angel 
of  goodness.  If  it  had  been  real  she  might  have  moulded  me  into 
what  she  pleased.  Upon  my  soul,"  with  a  half  uttered  oath  be 
tween  his  teeth,  "  I  believe  she 's  possessed  of  all  the  devils  that 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIANS   WIFE.  143 

w<  re  cast  out  of  Mary  Magdalene.  I  've  made  up  my  mind  what 
co  irse  to  pursue."  After  a  short  pause,  he  added  with  a  sigh  of 
re  ief,  "  Yes,  J  have  it !  She  was  poor  —  she  married  me  for  my 
money,  —  well  —  yes,  that  will  serve  her  right,"  and  his  hollow 
langh  made  me  shudder.  "And  yet,"  he  added,  in  a  softened  tone, 
while  his  good  spirit  again  seemed  pleading, "  how  I  loved  her,  — 

h<  w  happy  we  might  have  been  —  well,  we  shall  see,  —  ive  shall 
se>,!" 

Many  times  since  the  entrance  of  Mr.  Schuyler,  I  had  started 
fr  >m  my  seat  intending  to  say  something  to  soothe  his  anger,  but 
a.<-  often  had  sunk  back  powerless.  I  was  myself  suffering,  and 
what  could  I  say?  But  the  agony  he  endured;  the  jealousy  and 
desire  for  revenge  exhibited  by  him  opened  my  eyes  to  the  fearful 
biink  upon  which  I  stood,  and  I  firmly  resolved  by  the  help  of 
God,  to  give  no  sleep  to  my  eyes  until  I  had  unburdened  my 
hoart  to  my  husband,  and  besought  a  return  of  his  confidence  and 
love.  I  saw  plainly  where  I  Kad  sinned,  in  the  coldness  and  re 
serve  which  was  creeping  between  us  ;  and  I  said  to  myself,  "  God 
helping  me,  it  shall  be  so  no  longer"  I  arose  silently  and  retired 
to  my  room,  where  I  prayed  fervently  for  strength  to  tear  up  every 
root  of  unkindness,  distrust  and  jealousy  which  I  had*  cherished 
toward  my  dear  husband.  I  was  happier  already. 

Long  before  I  had  begun  to  expect  them,  the  family  returned 
from  morning  service.  I  heard  the  outer  door  open,  and  Frank, 
after  ascertaining  that  I  was  not  in  the  parlor,  hastened  up  stairs. 
I  smiled  as  I  held  out  my  hand  to  him,  and  said,  "  I  did  not  ex 
pect  you  so  soon." 

He  did  not  return  the  smile,  but  pressed  my  hand  against  his 
heart,  and  said  with  emotion,  "  Oh,  Cora  !  CORA  ! ! " 

At  that  moment  the  bell  rang  for  dinner,  and  Frank  putting  my 
hand  in  his  arm  led  me  below.  Oh  !  how  my  heart  bounded  at 
thi.s  simple  act  of  tenderness  !  I  felt  strong  to  endure  whatever 
insults  Fidelia  might  offer.  "  If  I  only  have  my  husband's  love," 
I  said  to  myself,  "  I  defy  you  to  injure  me." 


144  CORA.  AND  THE  DOCTOR; 

When  we  were  seated  at  dinner,  Joseph  said,  "  what  have  you 
been  doing,  Cousin  Cora?  I  never  before  saw  you  look  so 
happy."  All  eyes  were  turned  toward  me,  and  I  caught  one 
glance  of  love  from  my  dear  Frank  which  certainly  did  not 
diminish  my  color. 

Fidelia  noticed  it,  and  looked  at  Frank  as  if  she  thought  her 
self  personally  aggrieved,  while  the  next  moment  she  cast  a  glance 
of  defiance  at  her  husband  in  reply  to  the  scornful  sneer  with 
which  he  regarded  her.  The  Doctor  persisted  in  being  silent, 
and  kept  his  eyes  fixed  on  his  plate,  notwithstanding  all  his  cousin's 
attempts  to  engage  him  in  conversation,  while  Joseph  bit  his  lips 
to  keep  from  laughing  to  see  her  for  once  so  completely  foiled. 

The  moment  dinner  was  over,  Frank  turned  to  leave  the  room, 
after  giving  me  an  imploring  glance  to  accompany  him  ;  but  not 
before  his  cousin  had  stepped  forward  and  laying  her  hand  on  his 
arm  detained  him  while  she  said  something  I  could  not  hear. 

"  Impossible ! "  he  replied  aloud,  "  I  am  otherwise  engaged  ; " 
and  he  led  me  from  the  room.  A  malignant  scowl  darkened  her 
face ;  but  I  think  Frank  did  not  see  it.  We  entered  our  room, 
but  had  hardly  closed  the  door  when  some  one  knocked.  With  a 
gesture  of  impatience  he  opened  it,  when  to  my  surprise  Mr. 
Schuyler  stood  in  the  passage  pale  and  trembling  from  suppressed 
excitement. 

"  Can  I  speak  one  word  with  you,  Doctor  ?  " 

"  Certainly,  walk  in." 

"  Perhaps  you  will  think  me  strange ;  but  you  will  excuse  my 
asking  you  if  you  love  my  wife  ?  " 

Frank  started  forward  with  the  simple  word,  "  Sir,"  in  a  tone 
which  implied  that  he  considered  the  question  an  insult. 

"  Yet,"  continued  Mr.  Schuyler,  "  My  wife  affirms  that  such  is 
the  case ;  and  that  during  the  last  few  days  you  have  repeatedly 
told  her  so." 

I  had  fallen  back  in  my  chair  when  Frank's  looks  arrested  my 
attention.  There  was  not  a  particle  of  color  in  his  face  or  lips, 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  145 

aii  1  for  a  moment  there  was  a  terrible  struggle  to  control  his 
aa;;er;  but  at  length  he  said,  in  a  low,  firm  voice,  "  She  has  de- 
cc  vedyou.  I  have  never  loved  her.  From  a  boy  I  have  loathed 
hi  i-  character.  God  forgive  me,"  he  added  in  a  hoarse  voice, 
"  but  I  can  hardly  hear  her  name  with  patience.  She  has  even 
eii'.leavored  to"  —  with  a  quick  glance  of  sorrow  at  me,  he 
checked  himself,  and  then  exclaimed,  turning  to  the  window  to 
co  iceal  his  feelings,  "  Oh,  why  did  I  believe  her  ?  " 

"  Enough,"  said  Mr.  Schuyler,  whose  countenance  had  gradually 
aMumed  a  fixedness  of  expression  dreadful  to  witness,  "I  see  you 
ai  i  aware  of  the  intrinsic  beauty,  and  loveliness  of  the  character  of 
th  i  woman  I  have  the  honor  to  call  my  wife."  These  words  Were 
sa  id  in  a  tone  of  bitter  irony  which  it  is  impossible  to  describe  ; 
bi  t  he  immediately  added,  lowering  his  voice,  "  Dr.  Lenox,  I 
h;  re  foolishly  distrusted  your  honor.  I  ask  your  forgiveness." 

Frank  wrung  his  hand  as  he  said,  "  Mr.  Schuyler,  from  my 
very  soul  I  pity  you." 

''  I  rather  think,  sir,  you  '11  have  a  call  for  your  pity  in  another 
di  rection,"  pointing  compassionately  toward  me ;  "  mine  eyes  have 
not  been  so  blinded  by  my  own  misery,  that  I  have  not  seen  how 
your  wife  suffered." 

Frank  shook  with  emotion  as  he  hastily  bolted  the  door,  and 
took  a  seat  near  me.  I  had  covered  my  face  with  iny  hands,  and 
was  trying  to  force  myself  to  be  calm. 

'•'  Cora,"  said  he,  in  a  voice  which  trembled  in  spite  of  himself, 
"  won't  you  look  at  me  ?  Oh,  Cora,  you  used  to  love  me !  " 

"  Dear,  dear  Frank,"  I  said,  throwing  my  arms  around  his  neck, 
"  I  love  you  now.  I  have  always  loved  you." 

lie  pressed  me  silently  to  his  heart.  "  Cora,"  he  asked,  turning 
my  face  where  he  could  look  into  my  eyes,  "  tell  me  truly,  do  you 
not  love  Joseph  Morgan  ?  " 

(),  wljat  a  world  of  light  that  one  question  let  into  my  soull 
I  .  ;>rang  joyfully  to  my  feet,  and  looking  him  fully  in  the  face, 
"  My  dear  husband,"  I  answered,  "  as  I  love,  honor  and  fear  my 

13 


146  COKA   AND    THE    DOCTOR  ; 

Maker,  I  have  not,  and  never  have  had  one  thought  or  feeling 
toward  him  unfaithful  to  you  as  my  wedded  companion,  nor  has 
he  ever  given  me  reason  to  suspect  that  he  felt  toward  me  other- 
\vise  than  as  he  would  feel  toward  a  dear  sister,  or  cousin.  Oh, 
Frank !  how  could  I,  when  I  loved  you  so  dearly  ?  "  I  could  endure 
it  no  longer,  but  burst  into  tears. 

"  Then,  may  God  forgive  me,"  murmured  he  with  a  convulsive 
sob.  "  But  I  can  never  forgive  myself. " 

It  was  a  long  time  before  I  was  composed  enough  to  hear  him 
explain ;  and  he  had  hardly  entered  upon  the  subject,  when  he 
was  seized  with  giddiness,  and  in  attempting  to  reach  the  table  for 
some  water,  was  obliged  to  catch  hold  of  the  bed  post  to  save 
himself  from  falling.  I  forgot  everything  else  in  my  anxiety  for 
him. .  I  knew  that  he  had  been  dangerously  ill  with  attacks  of  this 
kind  in  former  years,  and  after  assisting  him  to  reach  the  bed,  I 
ran  below  for  Aunt  Morgan.  She  and  Joseph  immediately  went 
to  him.  When  they  approached  the  bed  the  Doctor  held  out  his 
hand  to  Joseph,  while  with  the  other  he  pressed  his  throbbing 
brow.  "  Cousin,"  he  said  humbly,  "  I  have  wronged  you,  greatly 
wronged  you." 

"  In  what  ?  "  asked  Joseph  in  surprise. 

"I  have  been  led  to  believe  that  you  and  Cora  loved  each 
other ;  loved  as  you  ought  not.  Can  you  forgive  me  ?  " 

The  hoarse  voice,  and  suppressed  breathing  showed  cousin,  that 
this  was  no  time  for  a  joke,  and  he  answered  gravely,  "  truly 
and  fully." 

"  Thank  you,"  replied  the  Doctor  in  a  whisper. 

"  Frank,"  I  said,  as  his  paleness  every  moment  increased,  "  I 
shall  send  for  a  physician,  or  can  you  prescribe  for  yourself?  "  He 
requested  Joseph  to  go  across  the  street  to  the  druggists  and  pro 
cure  some  medicine  which  he  named.  He  then  said  to  aunt,  "  I 
used  to  have  these  turns  long  ago,  but  have  not  for  a  year  or 
two." 

When  cousin  returned  with  the  phial  I  administered  the  ciedi 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A  PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  147 

cii  e  according  to  his  direction,  when  he  told  aunt,  if  it  would  not 
b<  giving  too  much  trouble, -he  should  like  some  strong  mustard 
dr  lughts  for  his  feet. 

After  half  an  hour,  a  fire  had  been  made  in  the  room,  and  the 
p<  ultices  had  begun  to  take  effect.  He  felt -his  pulse,  and  asked 
m  3  to  administer  another  dose  of  the  medicine.  Seeing  that  I 
Ic  jked  very  much  troubled,  he  said  gently,  "  try,  my  love,  to  com- 
p<  ise  your  feelings.  It  is  true  I  am  very  sick ;  but  I  tell  you  the 
truth  when  I  say,  there  is  probably  no  danger,  provided  I  keep 
p<  :rfectly  free  from  excitement,  and  the  medicine  operates  favor 
ably.  I  know  exactly  what  to  do." 

I  was  turning  away  to  hide  my  tears  when  he  drew  me  down 
t(  him  and  whispered,  "  say  once  more,  dear  Cora,  that  you  for 
give  me ! "  It  was  almost  more  than  I  could  bear ;  but  I  choked 
back  my  sobs,  and  assured  him  again  and  again  of  my  love  and 
entire  forgiveness. 

I  had  been  moving  quietly  about  the  room  preparing  for  the 
night,  when  aunt  came  in,  and  said  she  or  Joseph  would  watch 
\vith  Frank.  But  I  told  her  nothing  should  induce  me  to  leave 
him.  This  was  said  in  a  whisper,  but  Frank  heard  it,  and  said, 
"  let  her  stay.  I  am  already  relieved,  and  shall  need  nothing.  I 
shall  rest  far  better  if  she  is  by  my  side." 

Aunt  put  her  hand  on  his  head.  "  Doctor,  you  are  very  ill,  I 
shall  send  for  a  physician  immediately.  Your  head  is  burning 
up,  and  fairly  throbs  with  violence." 

Frank's  face  lit  up  almost  into  a  smile,  as  he  said,  "  It  is  easy 
iobear  that;  the  pain  is  all  gone  here,"  putting  his  hand  to  his 
heart. 

"  Dear  husband,"  said  I,  "  don't  think  of  that  now ;  only  re 
member  that  I  am  your  own  Cora,  and  try  to  go  to  sleep."  Dear 
aunt  had  to  take  off  her  glasses  and  wipe  them  twice  before  she 
could  see  ;  and  she  would  not  be  contented  until  she  had  brought 
him  some  hot  herb  tea,  which  he  consented  to  take,  as  it  might 
hasten  the  operation  of  the  medicine. 


CHAPTER    XVI. 

"  0,  women,  men's  subducrs ! 
Nature's  extremes,  no  mean  is  to  be  had, 
Excellent  good  or  infinitely  bad."        DAVENPORT. 

"  0,  jealousy !  thou  merciless  destroyer, 
More  cruel  than  the  grave !  what  ravages 
Does  thy  wild  war  make  in  the  noblest  bosoms !  " 

MALLET! 

Saturday,  October  2<ith. 

BY  half  past  eleven  on  the  evening  of  this  attack,  Frank  was 
so  much  relieved,  that  I  felt  it  safe  to  go  to  bed,  and  slept  sweetly 
for  the  first  time  for  more  than  a  week.  The  next  morning  lie 
pronounced  the  difficulty  entirely  removed,  but  confessed  that  the 
powerful  medicine,  he  had  taken,  made  him  very  weak.  I  carried 
him  some  breakfast  to  the  bed,  after  which  I  took  my  work  and 
sat  by  his  side.  I  would  not  allow  him  to  talk,  and  was  only 
too  happy  in  the  thought  that  all  the  coldness  and  reserve  which 
hnd  caused  each  of  us  so  much  unhappiness  had  passed,  and 
now  only  appeared  like  a  troubled  dream.  My  heart  was  buoyant 
with  hope  and  happiness,  and  as  I  ever  and  anon  looked  up  from 
my  work  and  met  the  eye  of  my  husband  fixed  upon  me  with  its 
former  look  of  love,  I  felt  that  my  Heavenly  Father  had  answered 
my  prayers,  and  restored  unto  me  the  heart,  I  feared,  was 
estranged  from  me  forever. 

Aunt  came  up  and  sat  down  on  the  foot  of  the  bed.     After 


REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  149 

Fr.  nk  had  assured  her  that  all  the  danger  had  passed,  and  that, 
wii 'i  the  exception  of  being  weak,  he  was  as  well  as  ever,  she 
be:  an  to  say  something  of  Fidelia.  I  had  taken  my  breakfast 
lai  -,  and  had  not  seen  her  since  we  parted  at  the  dinner  table 
ye  ::erday.  Now  I  thought  I  recognized  her  step  in  the  entry, 
an  !  looked  with  dread  at  the  door.  Aunt  perceived  my  agitation 
an' I  asked  me  what  was  the  matter. 

•  I  can't  see  Fidelia,"  I  almost  screamed,  as  I  heard  the  latch 
mi  ve.     Aunt  stepped  to  the  door  and  locked  it,  while  Frank  said, 
"There  is  more  in  this  than  I  thought.     There  must  have  been 
some  underhand  work  here."     He  stopped  suddenly  at  a  quick 
lo(  k  from  aunt. 

•  You  will  probably  not  see  her  again,"  she  said  gravely,  "  she 
ha  i  returned  home." 

•;  "Would  to  God,  she  had  never  left  it ! "  murmured  Frank. 

•:  When  did  she  go  ?  "  I  asked  joyfully. 

•'About  an  hour  since,"  was  her  reply.  It  was  hard  for  me  to 
conceal  my  joy  at  her  unexpected  departure. 

About  noon  Frank  arose  and  went  below.  Uncle  and  Joseph 
were  very  glad  to  see  him  ;  and  when  my  husband  sat  down  by  me 
and  put  his  arm  about  me,  uncle  said,  "  that  is  as  husband  and  wife 
should  be."  He  was  obliged  to  get  up  and  go  to  the  window  to 
wipe  his  glasses,  before  he  could  go  on  with  his  reading. 

Joseph  did  not  let  the  Doctor  off  quite  so  easily.  "  Cousin 
Frank,"  said  he  familiarly,  "I've  found  out  that  if  I  don't  want 
to  be  jealous  of  my  wife,  I  must  be  so  attentive  to  her  as  to  ex 
clude  all  others.  Now  if  you  had  appeared  like  that  all  the  time, 
why  you  see  "  —  he  hesitated  —  "I  should  have  lost  all  the  fun." 

We  all  laughed  at  his  comical  manner,  though  I  saw  that  Frank 
fell  it  keenly.  "We'll  talk  of  that  by  and  by,"  he  said  gravely. 

u  Excuse  me,"  resumed  Joseph,"  I  really  did  n't  mean  anything, 
't\v;,s  only  a  foolish  way  I  have  of  turning  everything  into  a 
joke." 

"  Yes,  my  son,  you  're  very  foolish,"  said  aunt's  voice ;  but  her 

13* 


150  CORA  AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

eyes  told  a  different  story  as  she  looked  over  her  glasses  with  the 
most  tender  affection  upon  her  only  child. 

"  By  the  way,"  continued  the  young  ruan,  coming  and  occupying 
a  seat  on  the  sofa  near  me,  "  have  you  plead  my  cause  yet,  Cora  ?  " 

«  What  cause  ?  " 

"  Why  in  regard  to  the  fair  hand  of  your  daughter  Pauline." 
He  then  begged  the  Doctor's  consent,  saying, "  if  it  will  make  any 
essential  difference  in  the  case,  I  will  get  on  my  knees  before 
you ;  but  if  you  could  excuse  it,  as  my  pants  are  new,  I  shall  be 
under  the  greater  obligation." 

Uncle  and  aunt  laughed  till  they  cried  as  he  went  on  in  the 
most  ludicrous  manner  possible  ;  sometimes  standing  before  the 
mirror  prinking  and  talking  to  his  own  image  ;  and  then  practis 
ing  "  courting  "  upon  his  mother.  Entirely  forgetful  of  the  new 
ness  of  his  pants  he  knelt  before  her,  and  in  heart-rending  tones 
besought  her  to  be  gracious  to  his  suit ;  and  when  she  nodded 
assent  to  his  wishes,  rapturously  kissed  her  hands.  Then  with  a 
low  bow  to  the  company,  while  brushing  his  fingers  through  his 
hair,  he  said  in  the  gravest  tone,  "  I  find  it  necessary,  ladies  and 
gentlemen,  to  practise  occasionally.  There  is  nothing  in  this 
business  like  keeping  one's  hand  in.  Practice  makes  perfect." 

After  dinner,  Frank  told  uncle  he  was  desirous  of  seeing  the 
family  together  at  some  convenient  time,  and  uncle  replied  that 
he  would  arrange  his  business  so  that  he  could  spend  the  evening 
at  home. 

Frank  had  told  me  before,  that  he  wished  to  explain  some 
things  in  his  conduct,  and  thought  he  ought  to  do  so  before  the 
family,  as  they  had  witnessed  what  had  passed.  During  the 
afternoon  he  was  so  tender  and  devoted  to  me  that  I  more  than 
half  determined  to  tell  him  all  Fidelia's  story  to  me,  and  have  it 
settled  at  once,  but  before  I  had  really  decided,  we  had  taken  tea, 
and  having  attended  prayers  were  all  seated  around  the  social 
hearth  waiting  for  Frank  to  say  what  he  wished.  He  commenced 
with  the  remark,  it  was  extremely  painful  to  him  to  be  obliged  to 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  151 

8:! y  anything  unfavorable  to  the  character  of  another;  but,  he 
c<  ntinued,  "  in  order  to  explain,  I  do  not  say  extenuate,  my  con- 
dict  toward  my  wife,  I  must  inform  you  that  on  the  very  first 
c1  ,'ening  of  my  arrival,  Fidelia  succeeded  in  planting  a  thorn  in 
ri  y  heart,  and  from  that  time  until  yesterday,  she  never  ceased  to 
s  iggcst  or  hint  at,  ideas  which  made  me  fear  that  the  affection  of 
iny  wife  for  me,  if  not  her  very  virtue,  was  endangered  by  her 
intimacy  with  her  cousin." 

Joseph  started  upon  his  feet,  and  I  covered  my  face ;  but 
]'rank  said,  "sit  down,  Joseph;  you  can  well  afford  to  hear; 
}  our  conscience  is  at  rest,  while  mine  " —  he  stopped,  he  had  evi- 
(  cntly  schooled  himself  for  the  interview.  "  After  this,"  he  con- 
1  iaued, "  it  was  astonishing  how  many  trivial  events  occurred  which 
;  ppeared  at  the  time  to  corroborate  her  story ;  and  she  failed  not  to 
make  use  of  them.  For  instance,  I  saw  you,  cousin,  take  Cora's 
hand  in  what  to  my  inflamed  imagination  seemed  too  familiar  a 
manner;  at  another  time  I  heard  you  say,  you  should  wish  a 
wife  in  all  respects  like  her,  and  various  other  things  which  I 
f-hould  not  condescend  to  name,  were  it  not  to  show  you  that  with 
her  whisperings  and  hints,  these  had  grown  to  such  a  magnitude 
in  my  mind,  that  I  was  prepared  to  believe  anything." 

Joseph  interrupted  him  and  began  to  make  some  explanations, 
but  Frank  would  not  allow  a  word  to  be  said.  "  My  dear  cousin," 
lie  continued,  "I  know  you  will  not  insult  me  by  offering  an  ex 
planation  for  what  existed  only  in  my  heated  imagination,  and 
which  now  that  I  have  recovered  my  reason,  I  loathe  myself  for 
indulging.  I  thought  it  over  in  the  night,  and  was  astonished  at 
my  blindness ;  for  you  both  were  so  perfectly  open  in  your  con- 
d.ict,  I  do  not  at  all  wonder  tkat  my  little  Cora  feared  me  as  she 
did." 

"  Ah,"  said  I,  determining  bravely  to  tell  my  story,  "  there  is 
another  side  to  that."  They  all  looked  at  me  in  amazement,  as  I 
began  at  the  beginning  and  related  all  I  had  felt  and  suffered.  I 
confessed  all  my  hard  feelings  toward  Frank,  and  all  my  jealousy 


152  COKA   AND    THE   DOCTOK; 

of  Fidelia.  It  was  now  the  Doctor's  turn  to  start  up  in  awful  indig 
nation.  I  told  him  how  I  had  been  led  as  in  his  case,  to  see 
everything  through  a  false  medium,  and  I  had  feared  that  the 
affection,  she  told  me  they  had  formerly  felt  for  each  other,  had 
revived  to  such  a  degree  as  to  make  him  regret  that  the  marriage 
of  both  prevented  their  union. 

The  intensity  of  Joseph's  feelings  kept  him  silent.  "  Well," 
said  uncle,  at  length,  "  Fidelia  is  rightly  punished  for  her  fiendish 
plot  in  trying  to  alienate  your  affections  from  each  other." 

"  How  ?  "  I  eagerly  inquired. 

He  turned  to  aunt,  who  said,  "  I  thought  it  best  at  the  time  to 
say  nothing  about  it.  I  merely  told  them  she  was  gone." 

Uncle  resumed  his  seat,  and  sitting  very  erect  in  his  chair,  said, 
"  Mr.  Schuyler  went  out  soon  after  you  were  taken  sick,  and  has 
not  yet  returned.  His  wife  insisted  that  AVC  should  take  no  pains 
to  bring  him  back.  She  said  she  wasn't  going  to  have  him  think, 
she  would  run  after  him.  But  I  could  see,  as  hour  after  hour 
passed  away,  she  grew  anxious  and  impatient  for  his  •  return. 
This  morning,  when  we  were  seated  at  breakfast,  a  boy  brought 
a  note  from  him  directed  to  me,  in  which  he  said  that  before  that 
letter  reached  us  he  should  be  on  his  way  to  Germany,  where  lie 
intended  to  pass  the  rest  of  his  life.  He  enclosed  fifty  dollars  for 
his  wife,  which  he  said  was  all  she  should  ever  have  from  him, 
and  closed  by  saying  it  was  her  own  fault  that  she  had  not  a  happy 
home  and  a  devoted  husband ;  and  that  if  she  had  been  willing  to 
accede  to  his  wishes,  she  would  at  least  have  been  the  owner  of  a 
handsome  estate.  That  was  true,"  added  uncle,  "  he  wished  to 
buy  a  beautiful  place  on  the  Hudson  which  he  offered  to  settle 
upon  her,  but  she  would  not  consent  to  live  in  so  retired  a  situa 
tion.  I  used  all  my  influence  with  her  to  no  purpose." 

"  Where  is  she  now?"  I  asked. 

"  When  she  received  the  note,  or  rather  when  I  read  it  to  her, 
and  gave  her  the  money,  she  was  at  first  very  angry,  and  thought 
he  only  wrote  it  to  frighten  her ;  but  I  soon  convinced  her  that 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OP   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  153 

I  tl  ought  otherwise,  when  she  suddenly  started  for  New  York, 
where  they  had  been  boarding  since  their  marriage,  in  the  hope 
of  detaining  him." 

]•  rank  looked  very  thoughtful,  but  said  nothing ;  and  we  all  sat 
for  ',  few  moments  thinking  of  the  probabilities  of  her  overtaking 
bin  .  and  of  her  success  in  obtaining  his  forgiveness.  I  who  knew 
mo;<3  of  his  feelings  than  any  one  present,  doubted  it,  but  I  wisely 
con  eluded  to  keep  my  knowledge  to  myself. 

.:vt  length  Joseph  jumped  up,  saying,  "  I  should  think  we  were/ 
in  v  Quaker  meeting;  let's  play  'button,  button,  who's  got  the 
button?"' 

'  Wouldn't  it  be  more  pleasant,"  asked  Frank,  smiling,  "  to 
ha^.  e  Cora  give  you  an  account  of  a  Quaker  wedding  we  attend 
ed  on  our  way  here  ?  " 

'•  Yes,  yes,  that's  just  the  thing ;  come  let's  act  it  out !  Here, 
Co  '.-a,  take  my  arm,  tell  me  what  to  say,  and  I'll  repeat  it  off  just 
like  a  book.  I  believe  they  always  kiss  their  lady  first,  don't 
they  ?  Come,  why  don't  you  stand  up  and  begin.  It's  placing  a 
bashful  young  fellow,  like  me,  in  a  very  embarrassing  situation, 
when  his  wife  that  is  to  be  won't  stand  with  him  at  the  altar." 

Though  I  could  not  help  laughing,  yet  I  would  not  consent  to 
"act  it  out,"  as  he  said,  unless  Frank  Avould  officiate  as  bride 
groom,  but  as  uncle  and  aunt  both  joined  in  the  request  to  see  the 
ceremony,  I  persuaded  my  husband  to  gratify  them.  When  we 
were  through,  Joseph  said,  we  Avere  so  solemn  about  it,  he  felt 
just  as  thirsty  as  if  he  had  been  to  a  real  wedding,  and  asked  if 
there  were  not  some  wine  in  the  house.  Aunt  shook  her  head, 
but  he  went  out  and  soon  brought  in  a  waiter  of  wine  glasses,  filled 
however,  with  lemonade,  after  which  the  conversation  passed  nat- 
urnlly  to  other  themes. 

The  remainder  of  the  week  passed  delightfully ;  I  gained  every 
day  in  health ;  and  the  Doctor  took  me  with  him  to  many  places 
of  interest  in  the  vicinity.  Fidelia's  name  had  not  been  merf- 
tioned  in  the  week  which  had  intervened  since  her  departure,  ex- 


154  GORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

cept  in  one  remark  Frank  made  to  me  on  the  Monday  evening 
previous.  He  said,  "  You  probably  noticed  that  I  gave  no  ex 
planation  of  many  of  her  statements ;  and  though  I  deny  ever 
having  felt  any  affection  for  her,  such  as  she  describes,  and  hard 
ly  what  the  relationship  warranted,  yet  I  wish  to  defer  any  farther 
conversation  upon  the  subject  until  we  arrive  home." 

I  told  him,  I  should  be  glad  to  do  so,  but  that  I  wanted  him  to 
promise  me  one  thing ;  I  was  proceeding  to  tell  him  what,  when 
he  said  "Anything,  everything ;  I  have  the  most  entire  confi 
dence  in  you,  my  love."  So  we  promised  each  other,  that  the 
past  should  only  be  remembered  as  a  warning ;  we  felt  that  our 
only  security  for  happiness  in  the  married  relation  was,  next  to 
our  God,  in  entire  confidence  in  each  other,  and  we  resolved 
never  to  lie  down  at  night  with  one  unkind  thought  treasured  up, 
which  each  had  not  given  the  other  an  opportunity  to  explain. 

On  the  day  before  we  left  aunt  Morgan,  a  letter  was  received 
from  Mrs.  Schuyler,  in  which  she  said,  she  found  on  her  arrival 
in  New  York  city,  that  her  husband  had  indeed  taken  passage  for 
Europe,  and  that  on  the  whole  she  considered  it  the  most  fortu 
nate  thing  which  could  have  happened  for  her,  as  his  jealous  dis 
position  had  always  prevented  her  having  any  enjoyment.  In  a 
postscript  she  added,  that  she  had  been  invited  to  go  to  the  South 
and  pass  the  winter  with  some  delightful  acquaintances,  she  had 
formed,  and  that  she  anticipated  great  pleasure  in  their  society.  She 
said,  she  now  considered  herself  in  every  respect  as  a  widow,  and 
hoped  her  friends  would  never  mortify  her  by  any  allusion  to  the 
man,  she  had  called  her  husband.  In  a  second  postscript  she 
requested  that  her  trunks  should  be  sent  to  the  care  of  William 
Arnold,  Esq. 

When  aunt  had  finished   reading,  Frank   and  I   exchanged 
glances.     That  was  the  name  of  Lucy  Lee's  suitor,  and  we  knew 
too  much  of  him  to  expect  she  would  profit  much  by  his  society. 
.    We  left  our  dear  friends  early  on  Tuesday  morning,  having 
obtained  a  promise  from  Joseph  to  make  us  an  early  visit.     A 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  155 

da  '  or  two  after  we  reached  home,  I  noticed  Frank  in  earnest 
conversation  with  mother;  after  which  he  requested  me  to  go  to 
ho  •  in  the  library.  I  went  reluctantly,  for  indeed  I  was  now  so 
lu:  tpy,  I  cared  for  no  farther  explanation.  But  as  I  saw  Frank 
attributed  my  unwillingness  to  a  wrong  cause,  I  took  Emily's  arm 
an  I  went  at  once  to  the  library,  where  mother  gave  me  the  follow- 
in  r  account. 

"  Fidelia  Lenox  was  left  an  orphan  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  and 
was  immediately  received  into  her  uncle's  family,  and  treated  in 
al .  respects  as  their  own  child.  She  was  one  year  younger  than 
F'.-ank,  and  of  course  they  were  constantly  in  each  other's  society. 
But  it  was  not  long  before  mother  perceived  that  from  being 
willing  and  apparently  pleased  to  be  with  his  cousin,  Frank  avoided 
her  as  much  as  possible,  and  often  refused  positively  to  accompany 
her  to  parties  of  young  people.  Mother  did  not  at  first  pay  much 
attention  to  the  circumstance  until  her  son's  conduct  became  so 
narked  as  to  require  a  reproof,  especially  as  she  could  perceive 
nothing  in  the  deportment  of  her  niece  to  elicit  such  dislike.  She 
therefoi'e  appealed  to  him  as  a  gentleman  that  it  was  in  the  highest 
degree  impolite  and  unkind  to  treat  his  cousin  otherwise  than  he 
would  treat  a  sister. 

For  a  long  time  Frank  refused  to  give  any  explanation  of  his 
conduct;  but  at  length  told  his  mother  that  he  would  agree  to 
treat  her  as  a  sister,  if  she  would  be  content  with  that. 

"  What  can  she  ask  more  ?  "  inquired  mother,  in  surprise. 

Frank,  like  any  boy  of  sixteen,  blushed  crimson,  as  he  replied, 
impulsively :  "  She  is  altogether  too  sentimental  for  me.  She  can 
talk  .about  nothing  but  love,  and  such  nonsense.  "When  the  time 
comes  for  me  to  be  married,  I  mean  to  do  the  courting  myself." 

Mother  was  silent,  from  amazement,  and  tried  to  recall  a  single 
circumstance  to  corroborate  his  statement.  "I  hardly  know  how 
t<>  believe  it  of  Fidelia,"  she  at  length  replied. 

"  Mother,"  said  Frank  "  if  you  do  not  believe  me,  enter  suddenly 


156  CORA  AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

* 

and  unexpectedly  into  the  library  or  anywhere  we  may  chance  to 
be  left  alone  a  moment,  and  you  will  see  enough." 

"  What  ?  "  she  asked,  under  her  breath. 

"  Why,  she  runs  her  fingers  through  my  hair,  and  she  sits  by 
me  and  looks  up  in  my  face  in  a  fawning  manner.  Bah  ! "  he 
continued,  "  it's  too  disgusting.  If  she  hears  the  least  sound,  she 
darts  back  to  her  seat,  and  there  she  sits  as  demure  and  proper  as 
any  old  maid.  I  often  wish,"  he  added,  half  laughing,  "  she'd  get 
caught  at  some  of  her  fooleries." 

After  this,  mother  kept  a  strict  surveillance  of  the  conduct  of 
her  neice,  and  soon  became  convinced  that  she  was  a  dangerous 
companion  for  her  son,  especially  as  she  paid  not  the  slightest  re 
gard  to  truth.  She  therefore  sent  her  away  to  a  family-school, 
where  she  was  under  the  constant  watch  of  her  teacher.  But  she 
could  not  prevent  Frank  meeting  her  occasionally,  as  they  both 
spent  their  holidays  at  home  ;  and  she  confessed  to  me  that  she 
should  have  shuddered  for  the  virtue  of  her  son,  had  he  not  ex 
hibited  such  a  loathing  for  the  character  of  his  cousin.  The  time 
came  when  she  must  leave  school,  and  her  conduct  had  become  so 
reprehensible  that  mother  would  not  consent  that  Emily  should 
be  under  her  influence ;  and  she  has  resided,  until  her  marriage, 
with  a  distant  relative  in  the  State  of  New  York. 

It  was  thus  that  Frank  had  not  met  her  for  several  years,  and 
as  they  were  both  married,  he  had  been  willing  to  forget  the  past, 
and  treat  her  at  least  with  kindness.  But  having  had  reason  to 
know  her  want  of  principle,  he  feels  he  had  no  excuse  for  giving 
heed  to  her  cruel  hints  and  falsehoods.  We  have  tacitly  agreed 
to  let  her  name  be  forgotten,  and  I  devoutly  hope  I  shall  never 
have  occasion  to  remember  it. 

Tuesday,  October  27th. 

My  dear,  dear  mother,  now  that  I  have  told  you  all  the  sorrows, 
trials  and  follies  of  the  past  month,  I  will  turn  to  other  and  far 


OR,   REVELATIOXS    OF   A  PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  157 

ri  pleasing  themes.  My  dear  little  Pauline  was  almost  wild 
witl:  joy  to  see  papa  and  mamma  at  home  again.  I  found  her 
look  ng  very  chubby  and  rosy,  having  gained  in  strength  since  the 
cool  weather. 

This  season  is  perfectly  charming.  It  is  called  the  Indian  sum 
mer  I  can  give  you  no  just  description  of  the  gorgeousness  of 
the  brcst  trees  with  which  we  are  surrounded.  As  1  was  riding 
thro  ;gh  a  thick  grove  yesterday,  on  my  way  to  Waverley,  1 
coul  1  almost  imagine  myself  in  fairy  land.  The  air  was  mild  and 
bah  ay  as  in  June,  and  there  was  a  freshness  and  dryncss  in  the 
atm  isphere  which  was  perfectly  exhilarating. 

I  think  I  remarked  to  you  near  the  commencement  of  my 
journal,  that  Mrs.  Munroe,  the  wife  of  our  clergyman,  was  absent 
from  town.  She  returned  while  we  were  away.  I  called  there 
yesterday,  in  company  with  Emily  and  Pauline.  Mrs.  Munroe 
isn.ther  above  the  medium  height,  with  a  very  intelligent,  not 
han  Isomc,  countenance;  and  a  splendid  set  of  teeth.  She  im- 
pra  sed  me  as  a  very  superior  lady ;  there  is  a  dignity,  a  quiet 
repo.-e  in  her  manner  which  I  admire. 

After  conversing  a  few  moments,  I  expressed  a  wish  to  see 'her 
infant;  when  she  immediately  went  out  and  brought  it  to  the 
parlor,  accompanied  by  a  sister  who  is  visiting  her.  I  don't  think 
Pauline  ever  saw  a  baby  before,  and  she  looked  at  the  little  crea 
ture  with  a  serious,  thoughtful  expression,  frequently  sighing  from 
the  intensity  of  her  feelings.  We  all  joined  in  a  laugh  at  her  ex- 
pen^r.  But  when  the  baby  began  to  cry,  poor  Pauline  started, 
and  grew  very  red.  I  didn't  like  to  have  her  feel  so,  and  I  took  the 
infant  into  my  lap,  and  put  its  little  soft  hand  in  hers.  When  she 
had  felt  the  velvety  flesh,  and  came  to  the '  conclusion  that  it  was 
really  alive,  she  was  pleased  enough ;  and  had  to  make  a  great 
effort  to  keep  from  crying  that  I  did  not  bring  it  home  with  me. 

I  made  early  inquiries  on  my  return  as  to  the  present  situation 
of  Squire  Lee's  family ;  and  was  happy  to  learn  that  in  many 
respects  Lucy's  situation  is  far  more  comfortable  than  formerly. 

14 


158  CORA   AND    THE    DOCTOR; 

Her  father  still  continues  feeble  in  body  and  mind,  but  he  has 
grown  so  dependent  on  his  daughter,  and  is  so  pleased  with  her 
tender  care,  that  he  can  hardly  bear  her  out  of  his  sight.  She 
reads  newspapers  to  him,  combs  his  hair,  and  soothes  him  by  the 
hour  together.  She  hopes  soon  to  interest  him  in  the  Bible,  by 
reading  daily,  delightful  selections  from  it.  I  fear  the  poor  old 
gentleman  has  not  enough  sense  to  understand,  as  he  often  falls 
asleep  in  his  chair,  lulled  by  the  sound  of  her  sweet  voice. 

Joseph  Lee  has  taken  up  his  residence  in  the  city,  only  return 
ing  occasionally  to  obtain  his  father's  signature  to  a  check.  He 
swears  that  the  house  is  just  like  a  tomb  ever  since  the  "  old  fellow" 
•was  taken  sick.  As  he  has  the  last  will  safe  in  his  possession,  he 
gives  himself  no  concern  about  Lucy. 

A  few  mornings  after  my  return  I  requested  Ann  to  build  a 
fire  in  my  room,  while  I  gave  Pauline  her  morning  bath  ;  when 
she  brought  up  a  great  quantity  of  brush  which  would  light  quickly. 
The  sight  of  this  reminded  me  of  the  children,  Anna  and  Willie.  I 
am  ashamed  to  say,  that  with  so  many  other  subjects  to  occupy  my 
thoughts  my  proteges  had  passed  entirely  out  of  my  mind.  I  in 
quired  concerning  them  of  mother,  and  learned  that  they  had 
made  great  advances  in  Phebe's  good  graces,  by  having  completely 
filled  the  wood  shed  with  the  brush,  which  Cresar  had  chopped 
early  in  the  season,  and  had  left  in  the  orchard  to  dry.  They 
had  come  regularly  day  after  day,  had  taken  their  dinner  at  the 
house,  and  returned  at  night  carrying  a  basket  of  food,  or  some 
useful  article  to  their  mother. 

Frank  and  I  are  more  delighted  than  we  can  express  with  the 
change  in  Emily.  To  be  sure,  she  never  has  such  high  spirits  as 
formerly ;  but  she  is  cheerful  and  affectionate  to  mother  and  all 
of  us. 

"\Vhcn  I  recall  to  mind  the  sad  forebodings,  I  had  while  in  B , 

thinking  my  happiness  had  gone  forever,  and  then  realize  what  a 
united,  happy  family  we  are,  my  heart  is  ready  to  burst  with 
gratitude. 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  159 

Cur 

"  Home  is  the  resort 

Of  love,  of  joy,  of  peace  and  plenty,  where, 
Supporting  and  supported,  polished  friends 
And  dear  relations  mingle  into  bliss." 

Saturday,  October  31st. 

"sow  that  Frank  knows  my  whole  heart,  I  hope  he  will  cease 

fro:n  self-accusation  for  what  passed  at  B .     I  was  sitting  at 

my  desk  writing  when  he  came  in.  I  looked  up  with  a  smile ; 
bui  he  only  made  a  faint  attempt  to  return  it.  I  instantly  shut 
m}  desk,  and  went  unbidden  to  sit  upon  his  knee.  He  put  his 
OTJ  a  about  me,  but  did  not  speak.  To  divert  his  thoughts,  I  asked 
him  about  his  patients. 

'  Cora,  my  dear  wife,"  said  he  interrupting  me,  "  I  would  give 
all  I  posses^"  ('  including  me,'  I  whispered,)  "  if  you  could  open 
your  heart  to  me  as  you  do  to  your  mother  in  that  journal." 

"  Why,  Frank,  I  will  tell  you  all  you  would  like  to  know.  I 
caa't  think  of  anything  I  wish  to  conceal  from  you." 

"  Is  n't  there,"  he  asked  in  an  agitated  voice,  and  hiding  his 
fa^e  behind  me,  "  Is  n't  there,  away  down  at  the  bottom  of  your 
heart  a  feeling,  which  if  brought  out  to  the  light,  would  read, '  I 
think  I  have  been  cruelly  insulted  by  my  husband,  and  I  can  never 
love  and  respect  him  as  I  once  did  ? ' " 

'•  Frank,"  I  exclaimed,  starting  to  my  feet,  "  let  me  feel  your 
pulse.  I  will  order  draughts  for  your  feet.  You  surely  have  had 
a  return  of  your  giddiness,  or  you  would  not  insult  your  wife  by 
such  suspicions.  When  you  are  sufficiently  recovered  to  bear  it, 
you  shall  take  the  said  journal  of  which  you  are  so  jealous,  and 
retiring  to  the  privacy  of  the  library,  you  shall  then  and  there 
learn  all  that  your  wife  thinks  of  you." 

"  Dearest,"  he  replied,  "  you  will  do  me  the  greatest  favor  by 

allowing  me  to  peruse  that  part  of  it  relating  to ."     I  put  my 

hand  to  his  mouth,  which  he  held  there.  Then  I  went  to  my  desk, 
and  separating  the  sheets  containing  the  account  of  our  visit  to 


160  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR. 

B ,  I  put  them  into  his  hand.  When  he  had  left  the  room, 

I  could  not  help  smiling  at  the  look  with  which  he  took  the  papers. 
It  was  something  liRe  that  of  a  boy  who  anticipates  a  pretty 
severe  whipping.  I  began  to  feel  sorry,  I  had  written  so  much 
about  jealousy,  and  feared  he  would  think  that  I  attached  more 
importance  to  it  than  I  do  ;  for  indeed  I  love  my  husband,  if 
possible,  better  than  ever. 

It  was  four  or  five  hours  before  I  saw  him  again,  and  I  started 
to  go  to  him,  when  I  heard  Ca;sar  knock  repeatedly  at  the  library 
door  without  receiving  an  answer.  I  therefore  waited  Avith  great 
impatience.  At  length  my  husband  came  to  my  room,  where 
Pauline  was  playing  about  the  floor,  and  I  knew  by  his  Jooks, 
he  had  been  much  agitated.  I  sprang  to  meet  him,  when  he 
clasped  me  in  his  arms,  saying,  "  Dearest  and  best  of  wives,  tell 
me  again,  that  you  forgive  me.  How  very  inhuman  1  have 
been ! " 

"Are  you  sorry  you  read  it,"  I  asked  ? 

"  No,  no .' "  he  replied  eagerly,  "  I  thank  you  more  than  I  can 
express." 

"  "Well,  then,  will  you  promise  never  to  think  of  it  more  ?  " 

"  Yes,  except  as  a  powerful  motive  to  be  a  better,  and  kinder 
husband  to  the  most  affectionate  and  forgiving  of  wives."  He 
added,  "  I  have  prayed,  with  the  record  of  your  sufferings  before 
me,  for  pardon  and  strength  for  the  future." 

"  Dear  Frank,  did  you  pray  for  me  too  ?  " 

"  Yes,  love,  I  prayed  that  sve  might  be  spared  many  years  ;  and 
that  each  year  we  might  be  increasingly  happy  in  each  other,  and 
useful  to  our  fellow  creatutes."  Then  lowering  his  vioce  to  a 
whisper,  he  added,  "  I  prayed  too  for  one  who  endeavored  to 
injure  us,  that  she  might  find  space  for  repentance." 


CHAPTER   XVII. 

"  Such  a  house  broke ! 
So  noble  n.  master  fallen !  all  gone !  and  not 
One  friend,  to  take  his  fortune  by  the  arm, 
And  go  along  with  him."        SIIAKSPEAEE. 

Wednesday,  November  4th. 

I  HAVE  been  to  the  little  hut  occupied  by  William  Reynolds  and 
family,  to  see  what  had  become  of  the  children.  Frank  thinks  it 
would  be  well  to  put  them  to  school.  It  shall  be  my  care  to  pro- 
vHe  them  suitable  clothing.  This,  I  can  depend  upon  Miss 
Proctor  to  assist  me  in  making  up. 

We  found  the  poor  woman  seated  in  an  old  rocking-chair,  and 
looking  very  miserable.  Her  husband  beat  her  badly  a  few  nights 
since,  for  interfering,  when  he  was,  as  he  said,  administering  proper 
chastisement  to  Willie.  Since  that  time,  she  can  hardly  turn  her 
head  or  see  out  of  one  eye.  Her  nearest  neighbor,  hearing  a 
great  noise,  ran  to  the  house,  and  secured  William.  The  next  day 
the  same  man  brought  a  complaint  against  the  inebriate  for  abuse 
of  wife  and  children,  and  for  refusing  to  provide  for  their  support. 
He  is  now  in  the  county  jail,  from  which  he  is  to  be  carried  to  the 
House  of  Correction  for  three  months. 

In  the  midst  of  their  poverty,  the  children  are  really  uncom 
monly  prepossessing  and  intelligent.  It  is  easy  to  see  what  they 
would  have  been  if  nurtured  in  a  home  of  competence  and  com 
fort.  At  the  time  we  entered,  Anna  was  standing  on  an  old  stool 
behind  her  mother's  chair,  trying  to  smpothe  out  the  long  auburn 
tresses,  and  twist  them  under  the  cap.  I  felt  no  repugnance  to 
the  act  when  I  took  the  broken  comb  from  her  hand,  and  made  a 

14* 


162  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

beautiful  knot  at  the  back  of  her  mother's  head.     I  then  bathed 
'  her  poor  bruised  temple  ;  and  promising  to  do  something  for  her 
immediate  relief,  we  left  her. 

I  have  become  much  interested  in  the  history  of  this  unfortunate 
family.  Anna,  the  mother  of  my  proteges,  is  the  daughter  of  Mr, 
and  Mrs.  Ryland  who  lived  in  Waverley.  Anna  was  the  elder 
of  four  children,  two  of  whom  died  in  infancy,  leaving  only  the 
subject  of  this  sketch  and  Edward  her  younger  brother  to  crown 
the  hopes  of  their  afflicted  parents.  Mr.  Eyland  was  in  the  pos 
session  of  a  valuable  farm,  part  of  which  was  left  him  by  his 
parents ;  but  which  he  had  greatly  enlarged  and  improved  by  his 
own  exertions.  A  new  house  had  been  erected  on  the  site  of  the 
old  one,  and  everything  in  and  about  it  exhibited  the  appearance 
so  common  among  the  farmers  of  New  England,  of  independ 
ence,  comfort  and  respectability. 

Anna  and  her  brother  had  been  educated  with  care,  and  after 
enjoying  and  improving  the  school  advantages  of  the  place,  they 
had  been  sent  in  turn  to  academies  at  a  distance. 

Early  in  life  Anna  had  become  attached  and  affianced  to 
"William  Reynolds,  son  of  a  neighboring  farmer  who  was  regarded 
as  one  of  the  most  intelligent  and  enterprising  young  men  in 
Waverley.  Certainly  his  noble  figure,  and  bright  handsome  face, 
made  him  a  welcome  guest,  not'  only  at  the  Ryland  farm,  but  in 
every  place  where  he  chose  to  visit. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ryland  looked  upon  William  with  no  little  pride 
as  the  betrothed  of  their  daughter,  while  she  was  at  the  same  time 
the  admiration  and  envy  of  the  young  people  of  her  acquaintance. 
William  Reynolds  waited  only  long  enough  to  be  able  to  erect  a 
neat  comfortable  cottage  upon  a  spot  of  ground  in  Crawford, 
which  had  been  his  inheritance  from  his  father's  estate  before  he 
brought  his  Anna  to  be  its  presiding  genius. 

With  Anna,  thei-e  came  to  Rose  Cottage,  as  the  young  bride 
styled  her  new  home,  wagon  loads  of  the  neatest  of  furniture 
purchased  by  her  father.  From  the  neatly  finished  attic  to  the 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  163 

,vell  stored  cellar,  eacli  apartment  received  its  appropriate  part  of 
:he  new  goods.  White  fringed  curtains  nicely  looped  aside  with 
ribbon,  were  hung  in  her  spare  chamber,  or  the  one  set  aside  for 
company,  while  a  gay  carpet  covered  the  floor  of  the  parlor. 
Beside  these  two  rooms  on  the  lower  floor,  there  was  also  a 
spacious  kitchen,  and  a  bed-room  opening  from  it,  which  they 
intended  for  their  own  use,  while  beyond  was  a  large  shed  con 
necting  the  house  and  barn.  This,  the  neat  housewife  secretly 
determined,  should,  at  least  in  summer,  serve  them  for  a  kitchen, 
so  that  that  apartment  could  be  kept  more  tidy  for  the  eating  and 
sitting  room. 

As  soon  as  they  were  settled,  Anna's  brother  Edward  was  to 
constitute  a  part  of  their  family.  Not  at  all  desirous  to  pursue 
the  calling  of  his  father,  Mr.  Ryland  wisely  concluded  to  allow 
him  to  follow  the  bent  of  his  inclinations,  justly  supposing  he 
would  rise  to  greater  usefulness  by  so  doing.  It  must  be  supposed, 
however,  that  it  was  no  small  sacrifice  for  these  excellent  parents 
to  part  with  their  son  from  under  the  parental  roof  when  he  ob 
tained  a  situation  in  Crawford,  even  though  he  would  be  under 
the  care  and  influence  of  his  sister. 

Time  passed  on.  The  roses  which  had  been  transplanted  from 
the  old  place,  and  which  had  given  the  name  to  their  home,  grew 
as  if  by  magic.  In  his  leisure  hours,  "William  under  the  direction 
of  his  tasteful  wife,  had  made  trellises  a  few  feet  from  the  win 
dow  ;  and  now  the  luxurious  roses  and  vines  almost  reached  the 
top.  But  within  this  sweet  abode,  in  a  cradle  which  had  rocked 
her  own  infancy,  there  was  indeed  a  new  blown  rose,  unfolding 
its  sweetness  amidst  the  most  tender  care  and  love. 

William,  ever  active  and  industrious,  was  accounted  one  of  the 
most  thriving  farmers  in  the  place ;  while  Anna  by  her  neatness, 
and  good  housewifery,  had  so  won  upon  the  good  will  of  their  em 
ployers,  that  whoever  else  returned  from  market,  heavily  laden  as 
they  went,  with  their  own  produce,  William  never  failed  to  find 


164  CORA  AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

customers,  eager  to  purchase  at  an  advanced  price  Anna's  butter 
and  cheese. 

But  about  this  time  a  little  cloud  arose  in  their  horizon.  Ed 
ward,  who  had  been  rapidly  gaining  upon  the  esteem  and  confi 
dence  of  his  employers,  was  by  the  sudden  death  of  the  head  of 
the  firm,  thrown  out  of  employment.  His  services  however  were 
eagerly  sought  as  accountant,  and  book-keeper,  in  the  great  ware 
house  connected  with  the  distillery,  and  belonging  to  Squire  Lee. 
For  a  time  nothing  could  be  said  but  in  praise  of  the  new  clerk  ; 
and  the  old  gentleman,  warned  by  the  early  dissipation  of  Joseph, 
that  he  could  expect  no  aid  from  him,  often  hinted  to  Edward 
the  promise  of  rapid  advancement.  But  after  a  few  months, 
Squire  Lee  noticed  that  Edward  never  tasted  spirit  of  any  kind ; 
and  he  vowed  to  himself  that  he  would  get  rid  of  a  fellow  whose 
conduct  was  a  standing  reproach  to  his  own  intemperance  and  to 
his  business. 

In  fact,  Ryland  would  have  preferred  a  different  situation,  and 
had  inwardly  determined  never  to  be  a  partner  in  an  employment 
he  could  not  approve.  At  that  time,  he  did  not  realize  as  he  did 
afterward,  the  curse  that  would  surely  follow  those  who  engaged 
in  the  manufacture  and  sale  of  ardent  spirits  for  unrighteous  pur 
poses.  A  great  press  of  business  about  this  period,  postponed  both 
in  master  and  clerk,  the  separation  contemplated. 

Late  one  Saturday  evening,  Squire  Lee  visited  his  counting- 
room,  where  Edward  was  busily  employed  in  making  up  the  ac 
counts  for  the  week,  that  he  might  leave  them  in  a  state  proper 
for  inspection. 

"  That's  a  fine  fallow  ! "  said  the  Squire,  clapping  his  clerk  up 
on  the  shoulder,  after  he  had  watched  him  turning  over  the  jour 
nal  and  ledger,  and  transferring  accounts  from  one  to  another 
with  great  neatness  and  despatch.  "  That's  something  like,  now  !  " 

Edward  made  a  passing  remark  about  the  amount  of  business 
the  past  week,  and  went  on  with  his  work. 

"  Yes,"  resumed  the  Squire,  "  that's  exactly  what  I~came  to  see 


OK,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  165 

you  about.  We've  engaged  a  large  amount  of  rum,  our  very  best, 
1  o  go  out  Monday  morning ;  and  as  we  shall  make  a  great  profit 
on  it,  I  must  n't  disappoint  the  man.  He  wants  it  for  a  new  tav- 
:-rn  somewhere  down  in .  " 

Edward  looked  from  his  work  a  moment,  as  the  old  gentleman 
continued,  "  I  know  you  like  to  go  home  and  spend  Sunday  with 
the  old  folks.  Some  bright  eyes  watching  for  you,  I  suppose," 
said  he,  with  a  leering  expression,  and  trying  to  be  facetious,  "  but 
the  fact  is,"  bringing  his  heavy  fist  down  on  the  desk, "  them  bills 
of  sale  have  got  to  be  made  out ;  and  you  must  give  up  going 
home  this  once,  and  take  an  extra  day  or  so  another  time  to  give 
your  gal  a  ride." 

Young  Ryland  quietly  laid  the  books  upon  the  table,  and  turn 
ing  round  to  look  his  employer  full  in  the  face,  he  said  in  a  firm 
but  respectful  tone,  "  Squire  Lee,  I  will  remain  here  until  mid 
night,  and  return  at  the  same  hour  to-morrow  night ;  but  I  have 
been  taught  to  fear  God  and  keep  his  commandments  ;  and  noth 
ing  could  induce  me  to  violate  the  Sabbath  in  the  way  you  men 
tion.  " 

"  Very  well,  sir, "  replied  the  Squire,  in  a  voice  of  suppressed 
rage,  "  we  shall  soon  see  hoAv  that  is.  Do  n't  the  Bible  teach 
young  men  to  obey  their  masters  ?  "  he  asked  in  a  sneering  tone. 
"  Your  parents  had  better  have  taught  you  that  before  they  sent 
you  here. " 

Edward  stood  perfectly  calm  and  unmoved. 

"  If  you  do  n't  recant,  young  fellow,  and  pretty  quick  too,  you've 
eamt  the  last  dollar  you'll  ever  earn  in  my  store ; "  and  with  a 
horrible  oath  he  brought  down  his  fist  again  upon  the  desk. 

"  In  that  respect,  sir,  I  can  never  change,"  said  young  Ryland  ; 
"  I  have  endeavored  faithfully  to  do  my  duty  since  I  have  been 
in  your  employ.  But,  sir,  to  tell  you  the  truth,  1  have  stretched 
my  conscience  in  your  service  by  consenting  to  be  employed  in 
an  establishment  where  liquors  are  manufactured ;  and  it  will  be 
no  disappointment  to  me  to  leave  at  this  time." 


166  CORA   AND    T11E    DOCTOR; 

Squire  Lee  in  a  frenzy,  turned  upon  Edward  with  uplifted  arm 
to  strike  him  to  the  floor ;  but  there  was  something  in  the  expres 
sion  of  the  young  man's  eye,  which  had  not  for  a  moment  quailed, 
that  restrained  him ;  and  he  contented  himself  by  pouring  upon 
him  a  volley  of  abuse,  intermingled  with  oaths  and  curses,  such 
as  it  made  Edward  shudder  to  hear.  He  calmly  turned,  closed 
the  books,  placed  them  in  the  safe,  passed  the  key  to  the  old  gen 
tleman,  saying,  "  In  a  few  moments  the  business  for  the  week 
would  have  been  accounted  for.  I  think  you  will  find  all  correct, 
as  far  as  I  had  gone."  He  took  his  hat  and  left,  before  the  Squire 
had  recovered  his  breath. 

Whether  the  bills  of  sale  were  rendered  in  due  season,  or  what 
he  thought  of  Edward's  conduct  at  that  time  is  not  known ;  but  it 
is  certain  that  after  having  in  vain  tried  to  fill  Edward's  place  to 
his  liking,  the  Squire  took  pains  to  ride  out  to  Rose  Cottage.  He 
inquired  his  whereabouts,  expressing  a  strong  desire  to  get  him 
back.  "  He  was  rather  too  fanatical  about  his  religion,  and  all 
that  sort  of  stuff,  but  a  smarter,  more  faithful  or  accurate  book 
keeper  I  never  had." 

Mrs.  Reynolds  informed  him  that  her  brother,  after  leaving  his 
store,  had  obtained  recommendations  from  individuals  acquainted 
with  him  while  in  the  employ  of  the  other  firm,  and  had  gone 
directly  to  New  York,  where  he  had  speedily  procured  employ 
ment. 

Squire  Lee  was  so  much  disappointed,  that  Mrs.  Reynolds 
added,  that  she  would  write  to  her  brother  whom  it  would  be  very 
pleasant  to  her  to  have  again  in  her  family. 

"  Tell  him,"  resumed  the  Squire,  "  that  I  will  make  his  salary 
just  what  he  says." 

This  visit  was  the  small  cloud  which  gradually  overspread  the 
whole  horizon  of  the  gentle  Anna  Reynolds.  That  night  when 
her  husband  returned  home  more  than  usually  fatigued  from  his 
work,  she  communicated  to  him  the  purpose  of  the  Squire  in  his 


OR,  KEVELATIONS   OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   AVIFE.  167 

cull,  expressing  at  the  same  time  her  conviction  that  her  brother 
v  ould  never  consent  to  return  to  his  employ. 

"  Why  couldn't  I  get  the  situation  ?  "  flashed  through  William'* 
mind,  but  he  said  nothing  to  his  wife  until  he  had  finished  his  out 
door  work;  and  Anna  had  soothed  her  baby  to  sleep,  laid  it  ii 
1  10  cradle  —  swept  the  hearth,  and  sat  down  to  her  sewing,  will 
1  cr  foot  upon  the  rocker. 

"  What  are  you  thinking  of,  Willie  ? "  she  asked  playfully. 
'•You  seem  to  be  looking  as  earnestly  into  the  fire,  as  if  you* were 
expecting  your  new  cart  and  oxen  to  come  walking  out  of  it  into 
the  room." 

William  smiled  as  he  turned  to  look  at  her ;  and  after  a  mo- 
laent's  hesitation  said,  "  Wife,  I've  been  thinking  it  all  over,  about 
what  Squire  Lee  said,  and  I've  about  come  to  the  conclusion,  to 
«•  pply  for  the  situation  myself.  That  is,"  he  continued,  seeing 
her  look  of  astonishment,  "  if  Edward  does  not  choose  to  come 
back." 

Anna  gazed  intently  at  him  for  a  moment,  and  then  exclaimed, 
'•  William  Reynolds,  I  really  believe  you  are  going  mad.  Are  n't 
you  well  ?  "  she  asked,  changing  her  tone. 

William  made  a  faint  attempt  to  laugh  as  he  said,  "  I  expected 
you'd  be  astonished  at  first ;  but  the  fact  is,  you  know  I  haven't 
l'i'!t  well  lately."  Anna  looked  anxious,  as  this  was  the  first  inti 
mation  she  had  received  of  his  sickness.  "  And  to  tell  the  truth, 
I  always  thought  it  was  a  foolish  move  in  Edward  to  give  up 
giich  a  good  place  for  so  trifling  a  matter,  and  it  was  so  pleasant 
having  him  here." 

"  It  was,  indeed,"  replied  Anna  witli  a  sigh. 

"  If  the  whole  must  be  known,"  resumed  William,  "  when  I 
went  to  market,  and  had  been  hawing  and  geeing  all  day,  and 
called  at  the  Squire's  and  saw  Edward  sitting  there  so  cozy  and 
comfortable  with  nothing  to  do,  but  just  to  write  from  morning  till 
night ;  his  salary  sure,  rain  or  shine,  crops  good  or  bad  ;  I  almost 
envied  him." 


168  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

"  But  what  could  you  do  with  the  farm  ?  "  interrupted  Anna. 

"  I  could  get  a  man  to  take  care  of  it.  There's  Joe  Clark  would 
take  it  to  the  halves,  and  be  glad  of  the  chance.  I  heard  him 
talking  so  to  a  man  not  more'n  a  week  ago." 

Anna,  however,  was  not  Easily  convinced  of  the  wisdom  of  this 
new  movement ;  and  it  required  all  her  husband's  arguments  to 
induce  her  to  consent  to  his  making  the  trial,  in  case  he  succeed 
ed  in  obtaining  the  situation.  He  had  when  a  boy,  been  at  the 
head  of  the  school  in  book-keeping,  and  had  often  assisted  Edward 
in  his  accounts  when  obliged  to  be  up  late  in  the  employment  of  the 
other  firm.  In  representing  to  his  wife,  all  the  inducements  to 
quit  the  farm  for  the  counting-room,  he  did  not  mention  the  fact, 
that  the  hands  employed  by  the  firm,  were  allowed  free  access  to 
the  barrels  of  New  England  rum  and  Avhisky,  piled  up  against 
the  walls  around  the  building.  Indeed  there  were  generally  kept 
kegs  especially  for  their  use ;  and  for  them  to  treat  those  who 
came  in  upon  business.  It  was  during  the  frequent  calls  he  had 
made  upon  Edward,  that  he  had  imbibed  a  taste  for  ardent  spirits. 
Perhaps  he  thought  this  argument  would  not  have  much  weight 
with  his  wife.  Perhaps  he  was  not  himself  aware  of  its  power 
over  himself,  nor  of  the  strength  of  his  appetite. 

True,  it  is,  that  having  received  a  note  from  his  brother-in-law, 
positively  declining  the  offer  of  the  Squire,  accompanied  by  a  note 
recommending  him  as  competent  to  fill  the  place,  and  also  a 
recommendation  from  the  teacher  of  the  school  Avhere  he  learned 
the  art,  Reynolds  sallied  forth  in  quest  of  Squire  Lee.  He  dM 
not  think  it  necessary  to  exhibit  to  that  gentleman,  neither  di  i 
he  intend  to  show  his  wife,  a  kind  note  from  Edward  accompany 
ing  the  other,  begging  him,  by  every  motive  he  could  urge,  to 
avoid  a  place  so  fraught  with  danger.  In  the  most  brotherly 
manner,  Edward  told  him  that  he  had  noticed  with  fearful  antici 
pations  the  relish  with  which,  on  occasions  of  his  calls  at  the  dis 
tillery,  he  had  accepted  invitations  to  a  glass  from  the  workmen. 
He  also  added,  that  since  he  had  been  in  New  York,  he  had  ascer- 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN"  S    WIFE. 


1G9 


t:  .ined  that  public  sentiment  was  farther  advanced  upon  the  sub- 
j<  ct  of  intemperance  than  he  had  supposed,  and  that  the  distil- 
1.  r  was  beginning  to  be  regarded  as  an  enemy  to  his  brother 
Man. 

"  If,"  he  added  at  the  close,  "  Squire  Lee  had  proposed  to  take 
ru 3  as  an  equal  partner  into  the  firm,  instead  of  the  offer  he  made, 
]  would  not  for  an  instant  think  of  accepting  it." 

"  All  this  was  no  doubt  well  meant  in  Edward,"  soliloquized 
U'illiam,  as  he  walked  to  the  counting  room;  "but  I  always 
knew  he  was  too  stiff  in  such  matters ;  even  Anna  says  that."  But 
1  c  could  not  help  acknowledging  that  his  wife,  and  her  parents 
vould  view  the  matter  in  the  same  light  as  the  writer,  should 
taeyread  the  letter.  So  he  considered  it  more  prudent  to  say 
i  t>thing  about  it,  as  he  had  made  up  his  mind  to  take  the  situa 
tion  if  he  could  obtain  it. 

Unfortunately  for  him,  and  for  all  connected  with  him,  he  did 
obtain  it,  and  entered  at  once  upon  his  new  duties  ;  Joe  Clark  tak 
ing  his  place  on  the  farm. 

"  Somehow,"  said  Anna,  "  from  the  very  first,  everything 
seemed  to  go  behind  hand.  Joe  was  not  so  much  interested,  or  at 
home  on  the  farm  as  my  William ;  and  then  his  pay  had  to  come 
cmt  of  the  'produce,  whether  we  made  little  or  much  ;  and  though 
my  husband  satisfied  his  employers,  and  received  a  good  salary, 
yet  I  didn't  realize  much  help  from  it  at  the  cottage.  It  also 
weaned  him  from  home,  and  got  him  in  a  way  of  staying  out  very 
late  at  night;  and  at  length  all  was  gone ;  and  he  mortgaged  our 
beautiful  home  to  the  Squire,  when  Willie  was  a  baby,  telling 
me,  he  should  soon  work  and  get  it  back  again.  But  every  thing 
went  and  went,  until  I  and  my  babes  moved  to  this  old  shanty, 
with  little  more  of  my  nice  furniture  than  the  bed  on  which  I  lie. 
Even  this,  I  could  have  borne,  had  my  husband  been  left  to  me. 
I  could  work,  I 'would  do  anything  for  them  ;  but  I  have  no  hus- 
lu,id.  A  man  calling  himself  William  Reynolds  lives  here ;  that 

15 


170  CORA  AND    THE   DOCTOR. 

is,  when  he  is  not  off  on  a  drunken  frolic ;  but  he  is  not  THE  Wil 
liam  Reynolds  I  married." 

It  will  be  readily  seen  that  though  William  and  his  wife  were,' 
at  the  time  of  their  living  in  Hose  Cottage,  moral,  and  upright  in 
their  characters ;  yet  they  were  not  actuated  by  the  religious  prin 
ciples  which  were  the  governing  motives  of  their  brother's  con 
duct.  But  it  is  to  be  hoped,  that  the  death  of  her  parents,  together 
with  the  sad  change  in  her  own  circumstances,  had  been  blessed 
to  the  afflicted  woman.  Certainly  she  has  been  most  careful  to 
instil  religious  principles  into  the  minds  of  her  children. 
"  But  where,"  I  asked,  "  is  Edward,  her  brother  ?  " 
"  He  has  never  been  to  Crawford  since  the  death  of  his  parents. 
William  was  very  angry  at  his  brother's  interference,  as  he  term 
ed  it,  in  matters  which  did  not  concern  him ;  and  Anna  has  not 
heard  from  him  for  several  years." 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

"  There  are  smiles  and  tears  in  the  mother's  eyes, 
For  her  new  born  babe  beside  her  lies ; 
Oh,  heaven  of  bliss !  when  the  heart  o'erflows 
With  the  rapture  a  mother  only  knows." 

HENRY  WARE,  JR. 

Tuesday,  April  19th,  1836. 

DEAREST  MOTHER, — •  Though  it  has  been  many  a  long  month 
since  I  have  had  the  heart  to  write  in  my  journal,  I  cannot  let 
the  anniversary  of  my  marriage  and  departure  from  home  pass 
a\vay,  without  at  least  a  few  words  to  the  dear  family  at  home. 
*My  breath  comes  quickly,  and  my  tears  blind  me  when  I  think, 
they  may  be  my  last.  Often  my  heart  sinks,  and  my  spirit  faints, 
as  I  look  forward  with  an  undefined  sense  of  dread  to  the  future. 
Sometimes  I  am  enabled  to  look  up  with  trust  and  confidence  to 
"  Him  who  doeth  all  things  well;"  and  by  faith  to  take  hold  of 
the  precious  promises  peculiarly  addressed  to  me. 

I  am  blessed  with  a  devoted  husband  ;  a  watchful  and  tender 
mother,  and  an  affectionate  sister.  When  I  think  of  these  mercies, 
I  can  only  say,  "  surely  my  cup  runneth  over." 

Dear  mother,  I  need  not  ask  your  prayers  for  your  daughter. 
I  know  that  I  am  remembered  whenever  you  approach  the  throne, 
of  grace  

My  pen  dropped  from  my  hand.  I  was  with  you  in  spirit  at 
tin-  hour  of  family  prayer.  I  saw  again  my  own  loved  and  hon 
ored  father  in  his  arm  chair,  near  the  table,  where  open  before 
hi  :n  lies  the  sacred  page.  Near  by  sit  my  dear  mother  and  sis 
ters,  while  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  room,  are  our  faithful  Jen- 


172  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

nie  and  her  associates,  waiting  for  the  daily  instruction,  they  are 
in  the  habit  of  receiving.  When  all  is  still,  a  chapter  is  read. 
Isabel  strikes  softly  the  notes  of  the  organ,  while  all  join  in  a 
hymn  of  praise ;  then  my  dear  father  in  a  simple,  trustful  manner, 
lays  the  wants  of  each  one  of  the  bowed  circle  before  our  Heav 
enly  Father. 

"  The  voices  of  my  home!  I  hear  them  still! 

They  have  been  with  me  through  the  dreamy  night  — 
The  blessed  household  voices,  wont  to  fill 

My  heart's  clear  depths  with  unalloy'd  delight." 

Ah !  beloved  mother,  my  spirit  melts  as  I  feel  assured  that  I 
am  not  forgotten ;  the  dear  child  who  has  gone  out  from  the  shel 
ter  of  the  parental  roof,  who  lives  beyond  the  mighty  waters ;  for 
her  and  her  husband,  are  invoked  the  choicest  of  heaven's  bless 
ings  ;  strength,  support,  and  comfort,  for  every  hour  of  need. 
Thus  let  me  feel,  your  prayers  ever  ascend.  Father,  mother,  sis 
ters,  farewell! 

«  Crawford,  May  2d,  183G. 
"HONORED  PARENTS, 

"  I  am  most  happy  to  inform  you  that  after  a  protracted,  and 
somewhat  dangerous  illness,  my  dear  wife  gave  birth  to  a  fine 
boy,  at  half  past  six  this  morning.  My  heart  is  full  of  gratitude 
for  the  mercy  which  has  spared  the  life  of  my  beloved  Cora,  and 
given  us  so  precious  a  treasure. 

"  Dutifully  and  affectionately  your  son, 

"FRANK  LENOX." 

"P.  S.,  May  6th,  —  Mother  and  child  are  doing  well.  Corn 
looks  very  smiling,  as  she  lies  gazing  at  her  sleeping  babe.  Sho 
says,  tell  them  I  am  very,  very  happy." 

Thursday,  November  10th. 
Beloved  mother,  how  I  long  to  exhibit  to  you  and  to  all  at  home, 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  173 

ay  beautiful  boy,  my  chubby,  rosy  Walter.  He  is  everything  a 
aether's  heart  could  desire,  gifted  with  every  faculty  of  body  and 
iiind,  to  make  him  a  useful  member  of  society.  Yet  when  I 
•ealize  that  I  have  given  birth  to  one  whose  soul  can  never  die,  I 
;lirink  from  the  fearful  responsibility.  Yet  I  am  not  alone, 
rhere  is  a  fountain  of  wisdom  and  knowledge  from  which  I  am. 
>ermitted  freely  to  draw. 

I  am  almost  too  happy.  I  have  a  dear  husband  whose  steps 
jccome  more  quick  and  elastic ;  whose  eye  grows  more  bright 
whenever  he  approaches  his  home,  his  wife,  his  sweet  little 
laughter  Pauline,  and  his  darling,  frolicsome  boy-baby,  Walter 
knows  his  father's  step  right  well,  and  almost  springs  out  of  my 
arms  as  he  opens  the  door  and  advances  to  take  him  from  me. 

Nothing  can  be  more  tender  than  Pauline's  fondness  for  her 
little  brother.  Without  a  word,  she  yields  her  choicest  toys,  or 
stands  for  him  to  pull  her  curls.  This  is  master  Lenox's  richest 
sport.  It  is  sport,  however,  which  I  have  forbidden.  He  must 
learn,  even  thus  early  in  life,  to  respect  the  rights  of  his  yielding 
sister,  or  he  will  tyrannize  over  her.  I  prophesy  no  small  trouble 
from  this  source,  for  not  only  is  she  willing  to  be  deprived  of 
whatever  she  has  in  her  hand,  but  if  I  say  "  No,  Walter,  that  is 
sister's,"  the  affectionate  child,  in  her  rich  musical  voice,  pleads, 

••  Please,  mamma,  let  Pauline  give  brother.     Pauline  don't  want 

now." 

Mother,  and  sister,  are  very  proud  of  the  young  Lenox,  who, 

they  fondly  imagine,  will  add  much  to  the  honor  of  their  name. 

indeed  he  is  a  true  Lenox,  and  already  asserts  his  authority  over 

every  one  of  the  family,  most  of  whom  yield  obedience  to  him 

l:ir  too  readily. 

Friday,  December  30th. 

For  a  few  days  Pauline  has  not  been  well.  I  feel  quite  anxious ; 
j-lic  has  heretofore  enjoyed  uniform  health.  She  coughed  very 
hard  last  night.  Her  father  thinks  she  has  taken  a  cold  which 

15* 


174  CORA  AND    THE   DOCTOR. 

will  soon  pass  away.  I  have  allowed  Ann  to  take  most  of  the 
care  of  Walter,  so  that  I  can  devote  myself  to  my  little  girl. 

Walter  has  gained  a  great  victory  over  Ann,  of  which  he  does 
not  fail  to  make  the  most.  He  now  appears  to  realize  that  she 
is  completely  finder  his  control,  and  insists  upon  having  his  own 
way  whenever  with  her.  I  wish  she  were  more  decided  with  him. 
She  would  have  far  less  trouble.  When  his  wishes  conflict  with 
mine,  he  yields  at  once.  Instead  of  the  loud  crying,  and  throwing 
his  head  back  which  so  frightens  his  nurse,  he  looks  in  my  face 
to  see  if  I  am  in  earnest,  and  then  pleasantly  turns  to  something 
else.  I  have  been  telling  Frank,  it  is  high  time  for  him  to  assert 
his  authority ;  but  he  begs  off.  He  drives  into  the  yard,  springs 
up  the  stairs  to  the  nursery,  catches  up  his  boy  and  gives  him  a 
ride  upon  his  shoulder,  or  upon  his  back,  gets  him  into  a  great 
frolic,  and  then  he  is  off.  Sometimes  it  takes  me  half  an  hour  to 
restore  quiet.  Frank  says  his  mother  always  managed  him,  and 
he  thinks  such  duties  belong  to  the  mother. 

I  told  him,  I  really  believed  he  dared  not  make  the  attempt 
for  fear  he  could  not  carry  it  out.  He  only  laughed  and  went  out 
of  the  room,  saying  he  would  try  his  skill  on  Pauline.  Dear  child, 
she  loves  her  father  so  dearly  that  the  thought  of  displeasing  or 
disobeying  him,  would  never  enter  her  heart.  She  is  now  quietly 
sleeping,  and  I  hope  will  awake  refreshed. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

"  Kindness  has  resistless  charms, 

All  things  else  but  weakly  move ; 
Fiercest  anger  it  disarms, 
And  clips  the  wings  of  flying  love."        ROCHESTER. 

Saturday,  December  31st. 

DEAR  MOTHER,  —  I  must  not  forget  to  tell  you  that  I  received 
a  call  in  the  parlor  yesterday  from  Mrs.  Thomas  Jones.  She  was 
dressed  so  differently  that  at  first  I  hardly  knew  her.  Thomas 
and  his  wife  after  a  suitable  time  for  examination  and  trial,  made 
a  public  profession  of  religion  in  our  church;  and  have  since 
conducted  themselves  and  their  household  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
give  the  strongest  evidence  of  the  sincerity  of  their  profession. 

Mrs.  Jones  called  to  see  me  with  reference  to  William  Reynolds, 
for  whom  both  she  and  her  husband  feel  a  lively  interest ;  and 
iVom  her  I  received  these  incidents.  Mrs.  Reynolds  with  her  in 
teresting  children,  was  long  ago  removed  to  a  decent  tenement  in 
the  village,  where  she  has  supported  herself  comfortably  by  her 
tkill  as  a  tailoress.  During  the  past  year  she  has  seen  nothing  of 
her  husband,  who  wandered  away  when  released  from  his  con- 
in  lenient. 

Now  he  has  returned,  pale  and  haggard,  worn  out  in  body  and 
mind.  He  loitered  around  the  streets  all  one  day,  not  daring  to 
n-k  for  his  family.  At  length,  Thomas  met  him  and  took  him  to 
Lis  own  home. 

"  I  could  not  but  think,"  said  the  kind-hearted  woman  with  tears 
.starting  to  her  eyes,  "of  the  time  when  my  husband  used  to 
return  from  a  drunken  frolic,  looking  pretty  near  as  forlorn  as 


176  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

lie.  But  Thomas  brushed  him  up,  and  we  made  him  look  as 
smart  as  we  could,  though  we  could  n't  restore  the  ruddy  cheeks. 
or  the  bright  eyes  he  used  to  have ;  and  then  I  jest  stepped  over 
to  Anna  Reynolds's.  She  was  a  sitting  so  kind  o'  comfortable 
hearing  her  little  girl  read  a  nice  book,  she  got  from  Sabbath- 
school,  while  Willie  was  whittling  into  a  basket,  that  I  could  n't 
help  feeling  kind  o'guilty,  to  think  how  soon  the  errand,  I  'd  come 
on  might  destroy  all  her  peace.  For  you  know,  her  husband  had 
been  gone  so  long  she  'd  got  settled  like  to  have  him  away.  But 
I  knew  who  was  waiting  at  homo,  and  so  I  made  bold  to  walk  in. 

" '  Good  evening,  Miss  Reynolds,'  I  says. 

"She  looked  up  as  pleasant  as  could  be,  and  sajs  she, 'good 
evening,  Miss  Jones,'  and  then  she  got  up  and  set  me  a  chair  by 
the  fire.  I  allus  said  she  was  a  born  lady,  and  so  is  her  little 
Anna.  After  all  I  did  n't  know  how  to  bring  in  my  message,  and 
I  begun  to  wish  I  had  n't  come,  for  fear  she  'd  faint  away  or 
something.  She  looked  up  from  her  work  while  I  was  trying  to 
think  how  I  could  begin,  and  says  she,  '  can't  you  stop  and  spend 
the  evening  ? ' 

"'Oh!  no,'  says  I,  'I'm  expected  home.  Miss  Reynolds,' 
says  I,  my  heart  beating  so  I  was  feared  she  'd  hear  it, '  who  do 
you  think 's  over  to  our  house  ?  ' 

"  '  I  can't  say  indeed,'  says  she.  Then  she  smiled  and  asked, 
'  has  Samuel  returned  ? ' 

"'No'  says  I,  'but  your  husband  has'  and  with  that  I  burst 
right  out  a  crying,  I  could  n't  help  it,  I  'd  tried  to  keep  in  so  Ion  .r. 
Miss  Reynolds  turned  jest  as  white  as  a  sheet;  and  her  work  fell 
out  of  her  lap  to  the  floor.  '  Oh,  dear  ! '  says  I, '  I  did  n't  men  a 
to  tell  you  of  it  so  sudden.' 

'"Is  it  true?'  says  she,  whispering  with  her  white  lips;  IK  r 
voice  was  clean  gone. 

"'Yes,  'tis  true,'  says  I,  '  Thomas  brought  him  home  when  he. 
came  from  work,'  and  then  I  was  jest  a  going  to  tell  her  that  lio 


OU,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  177 

v  as  a  sitting  with  one  of  Thomas's  coats  on  a  waiting  to  see  her; 
l;iit  somehow  I  thought  that  would  n't  be  just  the  thing. 

"  '  Is  he  himself  ? '  she  asked. 

"  '  He  's  all  right,'  says  I,  meaning  here,raising  her  hand  to  her 
]  cad, '  but  he  is  n't  very  well.' 

"  She  started  right  up,  and  took  her  bonnet  and  shawl  down  from 
."  nail,  and  said,  '  come '  before  I  could  hardly  think  what  to  do 
j  ext.  She  almost  flew  across  the  road  and  up  the  lane.  I  had 
t )  run  all  the  way  to  keep  up.  She  stopped  a  minute  in  the 
(  r.try  to  kind  o'  prepare  herself,  and  then  I  opened  the  door ;  and 
them  two  sprang  right  into  each  other's  arms.  I  declare,  I  acted 
like  a  fool,  and  stood  behind  the  door  crying  as  hard  as  ever  I 
could,  I  was  so  astonished.  She  started  and  pushed  him  off  a 
Lttle  to  see  if  it  was  really  her  own  husband,  and  then  she  hugged 
Lim  tighter  'n  ever. 

"  'Anna,'  says  William,  when  he  could  speak,  wiping  his  eyes 
with  an  old  rag  of  an  handkercher,  '  can  you  forgive  me  all  ?' 

"  '  Yes,  all,'  says  she,  *  if  you  '11  only  be  my  own  William  again,' 
and  then  she  took  his  hand  to  lead  him  home.  '  You  '11  hardly 
know  the  children,'  says  she. 

"  He  put  on  the  old  slouched  thing,  he  called  a  hat,  when  he 
suddenly  bethought  himself  he  'd  got  on  Thomas's  best  coat,  almost 
bran  new;  and  with  that  he  begun  to  pull  it  right  off.  Bu 
Thomas  would  n't  let  him.  '  Reynolds,'  says  he,  '  if  you  '11 
promise  to  be  a  good  husband  to  her,  as  I  know  you  will  be,  if 
you  '11  let  rum  alone,  I  '11  make  you  welcome  to  it.' 

"  William  snatched  hold  of  his  hands  as  if  he  was  going  to  cry, 
find  says  he,  '  I  don't  dare  to  promise,  oh,  how  I  wish  I  could !' 

"  '  Well,  well,'  says  Thomas, '  I  '11  sec  you  again,' for  he  thought 
Y.va'  n't  just  the  time  to  say  more.  I  could  n't  help  feelin  proud 
o'  my  man,  then,  though  I  'm  'fraid  'twas  kind  o'  wicked.' " 

Kind  Mrs.  Jones  !  she  was  obliged  to  stop  and  find  her  pocket- 
handkerchief.  The  tears  were  streaming  down  her  honest  face, 
and  I  must  confess,  I  wept  with  her.  She  resumed,  "  The  next 


178  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

morning  Anna  came  in  and  brought  the  coat  all  wrapped  up  in  a 
towel,  and  says  she, '  I  thank  your  kind  husband,  Miss  Jones,  buf 
William  will  soon  be  able  to  earn  himself  a  coat  with  my  help.' 

"  I  urged  her  to  keep  it,  and  told  her  we  both  made  her  wel 
come  to  it,  for  I  know  what  it  is  to  Avant  help  and  to  have  it  too 
But  no,  she  would  n't  take  it,  and  with  that  I  asked  her  to  wait 
a  minute,  and  I  ran  up  garret  where  Thomas  had  a  good  warm 
overcoat  a  little  too  small,  and  I  'd  laid  it  by  to  make  Samuel  one 
out  of  it.  '  Here,  Miss  Reynolds,'  says  I,  'is  a  coat,  'tain't  no 
kind  o'  use  to  Thomas,  'cause  it 's  too  small ;  and  I  want  the  nail 
desprit  bad,  where  it  hung,  so  I  '11  be  behoven  to  you,  if  you  '11 
give  it  house  room.' 

"  '  Oh,  Miss  Jones,'  says  she,  (  I  can  see  through  your  kindness, 
and  I  shall  be  very  grateful  for  the  coat,'  and  so  she  took  it  and 
went  home.  Now  Thomas  and  I  have  been  putting  our  heads 
together  to  get  some  work  for  Reynolds,  so  he  wont  have  to  go  to 
the  distillery  for  it.  And  at  last  we  concluded  to  ask  the  Doctor's 
advice." 

Monday,  March  Gt/i,  1837. 

How  little  I  thought  when  1  wrote  last  that  so  long  a  time  would 
pass  before  I  should  write  again.  I  should  hardly  prove  a  very 
good  correspondent,  did  not  Frank  fill  up  and  make  amends  for 
all  my  deficiences. 

The  sickness  of  Pauline,  which,  I  think,  I  mentioned  in  my 
last,  and  which  probably  reached  you  more  than  a  month  since, 
proved  to  be  the  worst  kind  of  measles.  We  were  very  much 
alarmed  for  a  time,  as  they  did  not  come  out ;  and  the  poor  child 
was  burning  up  with  fever. 

I  kept  Walter  over  at  mother's  for  more  than  a  fortnight,  while 
Emily  remained  here  to  assist  me  in  the  care  of  the  little  sufferer. 
Even  when  her  face  was  so  much  swollen  as  to  close  her  eyes, 
she  was  patient  and  gentle  as  a  lamb.  "  Dear  mamma,"  she  would 
say,  "  will  God  let  me  see  my  little  brother  again  ?  "  Please  ask 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  179 

( iod  to  make  me  well  quick ;  this  do  n't  make  Pauline's  face  feel 
nice." 

When  she  had  repeatedly  begged  that  Walter  might  be  brought 
1  >  the  bed  where  she  could  hear  his  voice,  I  explained  to  her  that 
ve  feared,  if  he  came,  he  would  be  sick  too,  and  his  eyes  just 
]  ke  hers.  After  this,  the  patient  sufferer  with  true  self-denial, 
eaid,  "Mamma,  won't  you  be  sick  too?  I  will  try  to  lie 
f-till  if  you  can't  come.  I  want  to  get  well  to  see  my  brother,  but 
1  c  must  n't  come  here,  because  he  will  take  the  sick  too,"  she 
repeated  to  every  one  after  this. 

Frank  began  to  grow  seriously  alarmed,  as  week  after  week  passed 
f.  way,  and  she  had  nearly  recovered  from  the  effects  of  the  measles, 
t  >  find  that  her  cough  -still  continued.  He  feared  lest  her  lungs 
i  light  be  affected.  From  being  a  very  plump,  rosy  child,  she 
lad  become  extremely  pale  and  thin.  Her  eyes  looked  unnatur 
ally  large  and  thoughtful.  Her  complexion  which  in  health  is  the 
richest  brunette,  was  almost  sallow.  I  felt  that  she  was  growing 
too  mature.  Her  questions  were  so  serious  and  showed  so  much 
thought,  that  I  would  often  catch  her  in  my  arms,  and  feel  that  I 
could  not  give  her  up.  I  saw  that  Frank  watched  her  very  closely, 
and  administered  to  her  with  the  tcnderest  care.  But  I  dared 
not  ask  him  what  he  thought. 

•'  Mamma,"  said  Pauline  one  day,  "  will  you  please  teach  me  a 
lit  tie  hymn?" 

"  Why,  my  love ! "  I  asked,  struck  by  the  expression  of  her 
countenance. 

"  I  want  more  hymns  to  say  in  the  night.  I  have  said  '  Mary 
had  a  little  lamb,'  and  <  I  knew  a  little  cottage  girl,'  and  all  my 
other  hymns,  and  then  I  say  '  Now  I  lay  me  '  a  great  many  times 
over,  because  that's  so  short,  and  I  want  to  learn  more." 

'•But,  Pauline,  why  don't  you  shut  your  eyes,  and  go  to 
sleep?" 

"  I  do  shut  my  eyes,  mamma ;  but  they  won't  stay  shut,  and 
the  moon  looks  so  bright,  I  like  to  see  it.  Then  I  say,  '  God 


180  CORA   AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

made  the  sky  that  looks  so  blue.'  Is  there  a  hymn,  mamma, 
about  the  moon?" 

I  taught  her  "twinkle,  twinkle  little  star,"  but  with  a  sad 
weight  at  my  heart.  That  night  I  took  Frank  alone,  and  asked 
him.  if  he  knew  Pauline  lay  awake  at  night  repeating  hymns. 

He  tried  to  turn  away  as  he  replied  that  he  had  often  heard 
her  whispering  to  herself. 

"Frank,"  said  I,  detaining  him,  "tell  me,  do  you  think  her 
dangerously  ill  ?  " 

"  Oh,  no,  not  now ! " 

But  I  insisted  upon  knowing  the  Avorst,  and  seeing  my  fears 
were  fully  aroused,  he  confessed  that  he  had  been  anxious  about 
her  cough.  "  I  would  give  a  good  deal  to  know,"  said  he,  as  if 
speaking  to  himself,  "  whether  her  family  were  consumptive." 

"Husband,"  said  I,  catching  hold  of  his  arm, "  I  had  really 
forgotten  that  the  child  was  not  my  own ; "  and  then  the  word 
consumptive  struck  like  a  fearful  knell  upon  my  heart. 

"  Cora,"  said  the  Doctor,  "  you  take  it  too  seriously.  Pauline 
has  always  appeared  to  have  an  excellent  constitution ;  I  really 
am  not  at  all  sure  that  this  is  not  the  remains  of  the  measles,  only 
aggravated  from  other  causes.  I  intend  to  take  her  out  in  the 
open  air,  just  as  soon  as  these  bleak  winds  have  gone."  On  the 
whole  J  felt  relieved  by  this  conversation. 

Tuesday,  March  7th. 

Joseph  Morgan  has  come  to  make  the  long  promised  visit.  He 
has  become  very  much  attached  to  his  cousin  Emily,  and  seem? 
to  feel  that  as  he  must  have  fun  with  somebody,  it  will  be  safe] 
•  to  take  one  who  has  no  husband  to  call  him  to  account.  Sister,  ] 
will  venture  to  say,  has  not  laughed  so  much  for  a  long,  lorxj 
time.  He  has  evidently  indulged  no  small  curiosity  to  see  Pau 
line  ;  but  though  he  will  not  of  course  say  anything  to  wound  my 
feelings,  yet  it  was  plain  enough  to  see,  he  thought  much  more  of 
a  lively  game  at  romps  with  Walter,  than  he  did  of  trying  to 


OK,   REVELATIONS    OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  181 

<"  raw  out  Pauline,  timid  and  retiring,  as  she  always  appears  before 
;•  trangers. 

The  little  fellow  will  not  allow  his  cousin  one  moment's  peace 
nhen  in  the  house.  He  creeps  across  the  floor  in  a  twinkling, 
dimbs  up  to  Joseph's  knee,  and  by  expressive  pulls  and  gestures, 
.•  ignifies  his  wish  that  his  cousin  should  instantly  get  down  upon 
ihe  carpet  for  a  play.  If  this  goes  on,  I  shall  soon  be  obliged  to 
have  new  furniture.  Chairs  and  lounges  tumble  over,  and  my 
-\ork-basket  has  received  a  terrible  wound  in  the  side,  through 
•vhieh  I  am  constantly  losing  scissors,  thimble,  and  cotton. 
.Joseph  expresses  great  sorrow,  but  in  ten  minutes  does  the  same 
again.  I  try  to  look  grave,  and  call  Ann  to  put  the  room  in 
order;  but  before  I  am  aware,  I  am  laughing  until  the  tears  roll 
down  my  cheeks. 

Monday,  March  20th. 

Pauline  has  become  quite  free  with  her  cousin,  and  goes 
directly  to  him  when  he  calls  her  to  sit  on  his  knee.  It  is  amus 
ing  to  hear  him  talk  with  her.  -While  with  every  one  else  he  will 
have  his  joke,  so  that  Caesar  opens  his  mouth  to  its  fullest  extent 
in  anticipation,  yet  with  Pauline  he  is  grave  and  gentle,  and 
never  makes  fun  of  what  she  says.  He  told  me  once,  when  she 
vas  absent  from  the  room,  that  he  must  mind  his  ps  and  qs,  for 
he  heard  her  telling  Phebe  part  of  a  foolish  story,  he  had  told 
Emily  in  her  hearing.  Phebe  laughed  as  if  she  did  not  believe 
it,  when  Pauline  said  earnestly,  "  You  must  n't  laugh,  Phebe,  my 
cousin  said  so." 

Phebe  said,  "  Oh !  misse,  he's  only  fooling." 

Pauline  didn't  understand  that,  and  turning  around  saw  him. 
"  ]  lere  he  is !  "  she  exclaimed  triumphantly,  «  will  you  please  tell 
Phebe,  you  did  say  that." 

Joseph  confessed  he  was  decidedly  confused.  "  She  looked  so 
earnest  and  solemn  with  those  large  eyes  of  hers.  I  wouldn't 
like  her  to  catch  me  fibbing.  I  couldn't  look  her  in  the  face  for  a 

1G 


184  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

that  he  often  puts  on  this  kind  of  foolery,  as  he  calls  it,  for  a  cover 
to  deeper  feelings.  I  told  him  to-day  that  Pauline,  (who  always 
frames  her  own  petitions,)  had  prayed  for  him,  and  thanked  God 
for  giving  her  such  a  nice  cousin,  and  letting  her  take  such  beau 
tiful  rides.  I  told  him  I  sometimes  heard  her  whispering  to  her 
self  when  she  took  a  tiny  chair,  her  father  gave  her,  "  thank  you 
God  for  my  pretty  chair." 

Joseph  looked  very  serious  and  said,  "I  should  value  her 
prayers  far  more  than  those  of  many  professing  Christians  I  could 
name.  Why,  coz,"  he  added  after  a  pause,  "  I  never  saw  such  a 
little  matter  of  fact  thing  in  my  life.  If  she  goes  on  so,  I  proph 
esy  people  around  her  will  have  to  walk  straight.  I  thought  at 
first  that  she  was  tame ;  but  she  has  plenty  of  spirit,  only  that  she 
keeps  it  under  control.  Yes,"  he  added,  warming  with  the  sub 
ject,  "  I  have  seen  her  eye  flash,  and  her  checks  burn  for  an 
instant,  and  then  it  would  all  be  over,  and  she  would  speak  in 
the  gentlest,  sweetest  voice  imaginable.  It  sounds  like  Italian 
music." 

Friday,  March  2<ith. 

This  morning  after  prayers,  cousin  came  to  the  nursery  door 
and  knocked.  I  was  hearing  Pauline  repeat  her  letters,  after 
which  I  often  tell  her  a  Bible  story.  He  sat  down  quietly  until  I 
had  finished.  "  Cousin  Cora,"  said  he,  "  I  don't  believe  I  shall 
ever  be  good ;  I've  tried,  and  tried,  since  I  have  been  here ;  I 
resolve  every  night  I  will  be  better,  but  I  go  on  just  the  same." 

I  confess  that  for  a  moment,  I  did  not  know  what  reply  to 
make.  Pauline  had  not  left  my  side ;  she  opened  wide  her  large 
eyes,  and  looked  first  at  me  and  then  at  her  cousin.  After  a  mo 
ment,  she  walked  across  to  the  place  where  he  sat  and  put  her 
hand  in  his.  "  Dear  cousin,  if  you  pray  to  God,  he  will  tell  you 
how  to  be  good,  and  mamma  will  pray  for  you." 

•  The  tears  started  to  Joseph's  eyes,  as  he  kissed  the  little  han;l 
in  his,  and  went  quickly  out  of  the  room. 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  185 

An  hour  or  two  afterward,  two  young  gentlemen  from  the  village 
culled  to  invite  him  to  join  them  in  an  excursion  to  the  lake.  I 
\\  as  much  pleased  with  this  attention  to  my  cousin,  and  accepted 
tlieir  invitation  in  his  name.  But  to  my  astonishment  Joseph, 
v  hen  sent  for  from  the  cottage,  declined  the  courtesy  with  many 
tl  umks,  upon  the  plea  of  a  previous  engagement.  I  looked  at  him 
f<  r  an  explanation,  little  thinking  the  promise  of  a  ride  he  had 
n  ade  Pauline,  would  be  in  his  mind  a  sufficient  excuse. 

He  read  my  look.  "  You  know,  Cora,"  he  said,  turning  to 
n .(!,  "it  would  be  awkward  for  me  to  be  sued  for  a  breach  of 
p  i-omise." 

The  young  gentlemen  soon  departed  to  join  their  party,  and  he 
turned  to  leave  the  room.  "I  cannot  bear  to  have  you  give  up 
so  pleasant  an  excursion,"  said  I,  detaining  him,  "  especially  on 
Pauline's  account.  I  had  just  before  you  came  in,  told  them  you 
would  be  delighted  to  accompany  them." 

"  I  should  be  far  more  delighted,"  he  answered,  "  to  give  my 
sweet  little  cousin  pleasure,  and  I  had  promised  her  the  ride." 
Ko  more  was  said  at  the  time.  Ccesar  led  the  horse  around  to 
the  door,  ready  saddled  and  cushioned  ;  and  the  child  was  almost 
in  an  ecstasy  of  delight.  She  had  really  begun  to  look  like  her 
former  self,  and  my  hopes  rose  high  for  her  permanent  recovery. 
She  looked  really  brilliant  as  she  stood  equipped  waiting  for 
Joseph ;  her  eyes  danced  with  joy,  and  her  whole  face  was  radi 
ant  with  happiness. 

"Ami  not  well  paid,  coz  ?"  said  the  young  man  glancing  at 
the  little  figure  before  him. 

'•  You  are  very  kind,"  I  replied,  "  I  shall  not  soon  forget  it." 

A  shade  passed  over  his  face,  and  he  turned  back  as  if  about 
to  .^pcak,  but  checked  himself,  and  taking  Pauline  in  his  arms, 
pLiced  her  on  the  horse,  then  with  a  light  bound  sprang  to  her 
side,  and  rode  away.  The  weather  is  still  mild  and  warm,  and  as 
Ann  was  busy,  I  took  Walter  in  his  wagon,  and  drew  him  around 
the  garden,  calling  at  grandmamma's.  The  young  lad  began  to 

1C* 


186  CORA  AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

be  very  sleepy,  and  I  was  about  returning  to  the  house,  when 
the  equestrians  returned.  Joseph  left  Pauline  inside  the  door, 
and  Caesar  coming  forward  to  lead  the  horse,  he  hastened  to  meet 
me. 

Quietly  taking  the  handle  of  the  carriage  he  said  gravely, 
"  Cousin  Cora,  I  fear  you  will  despise  me  for  what  I  am  going  to 
say,  but  I  can't  help  it.  I  sha'n't  feel  right  until  I've  made  a 
clean  breast  of  it." 

As  I  looked  inquiringly,  but  made  no  reply  he  went  on,  "  1 
deceived  you  this  morning  by  allowing  you  to  suppose  that  I  was 
so  careful  to  redeem  my  promise  to  Pauline,  that  I  denied  myself 
the  pleasure  of  an  excursion  upon  the  lake.  Now,  I  suppose  if 
I  had  felt  inclined  to  go,  I  should  not  have  hesitated  a  moment  on 
that  account.  But  to  tell  you  the  truth,  I  was  heartily  glad  of  an 
excuse." 

"But  why?  I  should  have  supposed  that  you  of  all  others 
would  have  entered  into  such  a  frolic." 

For  a  few  moments  he  made  no  reply,  and  we  reached  the 
door.  He  intimated  that  he  would  like  to  go  the  round  again ; 
and  putting  my  arm  in  his,  we  walked  silently  on,  as  master  Wal 
ter  was  soundly  sleeping. 

"  Cora,"  said  he  at  length,  «  for  a  few  days  I  have  been  more 
miserable  than  I  can  tell  you.  I  want  to  begin  life  anew ;  but  I 
don't  know  how.  All  connected  with  this  dear  family  are  use 
fully  and  happily  employed  while  I  have  only  lived  heretofore  to 
please  myself.  Though  I  resolve,  and  re-resolve,  I  am  no  better. 
Even  little  Pauline  has  a  principle  and  strength  within  her  to 
which  I  am  a  stranger.  Can't  you  help  me,  Cora  ?  " 

I  had  never  seen  Joseph  so  earnest,  and  I  lifted  up  my  heart 
for  wisdom  to  direct  me,  that  I  might  speak  a  "  word  in  season." 
I  then  endeavored  in  my  feeble,  imperfect  way,  to  direct  my  in 
quiring  cousin  to  the  fountain  of  all  strength.  I  told  him  while 
he  depended  upon  himself  to  keep  the  resolutions,  he  formed,  lie 
would  necessarily  fail.  But  aware  as  he  expressed  himself  to  be 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  187 

oi  his  inability  to  help  himself,  if  he  would  humbly  and  earnestly 
bi  seech  God  for  Christ's  sake  to  help  him,  God  would  certainly 
ai  :;wer  his  prayer. 

u  I  have  tried  to  pray,"  he  replied,  much  agitated.  "  I  have 
always  been  taught  to  repeat  prayers,  but  last  night  I  could  not 
si  :ep,  and  I  got  up  and  tried  to  pray,  but  I  found  no  answer. 
Nothing  assured  me  that  I  was  heard." 

u  Do  not  despair,  dear  cousin.  Pray  again.  I  wish  you  would 
t:  Ik  with  the  Doctor.  He  would  direct  you  so  much  better  than 
I  can."  This,  I  said,  as  I  saw  Frank  approaching,  having  looked 
ii  vain  through  the  house  for  us. 

"As  you  please,"  he  replied  with  a  deep  sigh,  "  but  I  fear  it 
will  do  no  good."  I  left  him  with  the  carriage,  and  approaching 
nry  husband  told  him  in  a  few  words  the  substance  of  our  con 
versation,  and  requested  him  to  invite  Joseph  to  the  library.  I 
then  ran  forward  to  call  Ann  to  take  Walter  up  to  his  crib. 

Joseph  looked  very  much  embarrassed  for  a  moment ;  but  I 
knew  the  Doctor  would  deal  very  tenderly  with  him,  and  at  the 
same  time  that  he  would  go  to  the  root  of  the  matter,  and  I 
anticipated  much  good  from  the  interview. 

Frank  came  to  my  room  but  for  a  moment,  before  he  rode 
away.  I  saw  that  the  time  had  not  passed  without  strong  emotion 
on  his  part.  I  have  as  yet  had  no  opportunity  to  ask  him  about 
it. 

Monday,  March  27th. 

Yesterday  I  was  glad  to  notice  the  unusual  solemnity  of  Joseph's 
m ;mner  at  church.  He  is  a  dear,  noble-hearted  fellow,  and  I 
cannot  but  hope  the  prayers  of  his  pious  parents  in  his  behalf 
will  be  answered.  I  must  confess,  I  have  sometimes  thought  they 
were  too  indulgent  in  their  training,  and  allowed  him  altogether 
too  much  money.  Considering  how  entirely  he  has  been  for  many 
years  his  own  master,  and  how  much  he  has  been  petted  at  home, 
I  tliink  he  is  wonderfully  free  from  faults,  especially  from  that 


188  COKA   AND    THE   DOCTOR. 

selfishness,   prodigality,  and  disregard  of  the  wishes   of  others 
which  is  too  often  the  result  of  such  training. 

Tuesday,  April  kth. 

Our  dear  cousin  Joseph  has  this  morning  left  us.  I  trust  his 
visit  here  will  be  of  permanent  use  to  him.  He  expressed 
his  determination  to  enter  at  once  into  some  useful  employment, 
saying  he  had  idled  away  quite  too  many  years  of  his  life.  I  was 
struck  with  the  difference  between  Pauline  and  Walter  in  express 
ing  their  sorrow  at  his  leaving.  The  latter  screamed  as  loud  as 
his  lungs  would  allow,  and  would  hardly  leave  his  cousin  to  come 
to  me.  Pauline  with  a  tearful  eye,  and  flushed  cheek,  stood 
quietly  by  until  he  kissed  her  farewell,  when  her  lip  quivered, 
but  she  made  no  noisy  demonstration  of  her  sorrow.  I  saw  that 
this  silent  grief  went  straight  to  Joseph's  heart.  He  turned  back, 
pressed  her  tightly  in  his  arms  for  a  moment,  said  something  to 
her  in  a  low  voice  and  was  gone. 


CHAPTER    XX. 

"  The  feeling  of  a  parent  never  dies 

But  with  our  moral  nature ;  all  in  vain 
The  wretch  by  cold  and  cruel  spurning  tries 
To  change  that  love  to  hate."        PERCIVAL. 

Afternoon. 

EMILY  received  to-day  a  hastily  written  note  from  Lucy  Lee, 
requesting  her  to  call  as  soon  as  possible.  I  long  to  know  what 
has  happened.  The  Doctor  visits  the  old  gentleman  once  in  a 
fe-,v  weeks.  Perhaps  I  have  not  told  you  that  he  has  several  times 
met  Allen  there.  I  am  afraid  Joseph  has  come  home,  and  found 
out  that  he  has  renewed  his  visits. 

Wednesday,  April  5th. 

I  was  entirely  wrong  in  my  fears  about  Lucy.  She  had  received 
a  letter  from  a  physician  in  the  city  who  was  called  to  Joseph,  and 
who  says  he  is  now  so  ill,  that  he  deemed  it  advisable  to  notify 
hi-  family.  Lucy  inferred  from  the  account,  which  was  rather 
guarded,  that  it  was  an  attack  of  the  delirium  tremens,  brought 
on  1  iy  his  late  excesses,  hastened  perhaps  by  the  fact  of  his  leav 
ing  home  the  last  week  extremely  angry  because  his  father  refused 
to  advance  him  any  more  money.  Joseph  ascribed  it  to  Lucy's 
influence  over  the  old  man,  and  vowed  revenge. 

The  forgiving  sister  no  sooner  heard  of  the  dangerous  illness 
of  her  brother,  than  she  wished  to  go  to  him.     She  could  not  en 
dure  the  thought  of  his  being  left  alone  in  his  sickness.     Emily 
I  encouraged  her  to  go  at  once,  and  offered  to  remain  with  her 
father,  to  which  her  friend  gratefully  acceded. 


182  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOK ; 

month.  By  the  way,  coz,  have  you  ever  found  out  her  parentage  ? 
She  speaks  when  occasion  requires,  like  a  princess.  You  should 
have  heard  her  reprove  Phebe  for  laughing." 

,1  hinted  to  Joseph  that  I  disliked  to  hear  any  allusion  to  Pau- 
lines's  parentage. 

"  It  is  a  great  wonder,"  said  he,  "  that  I  did  not  blab  it  right 
out." 

Tuesday,  March  21st. 

To-day  has  been  mild  and  pleasant  as  summer.  Joseph,  who  is 
a  skilful  equestrian,  rode  up  to  the  door,  waiting  for  Caesar  to 
bring  the  riding  whip.  Pauline  stood  with  her  little  face  pressed 
close  to  the  window,  at  the  imminent  hazard  of  flattening  her 
nose.  Joseph  motioned  to  me  to  throw  up  the  sash.  I  did  so, 
setting  down  the  child  from  the  chair. 

"  Let  Pauline  come,"  said  lie. 

I  shook  my  head. 

"  It  will  do  her  good ;  the  day  is  delightful ;  dress  her  warm, 
and  let  her  come.  I'll  bring  her  back  safely." 

I  turned  in  doubt  to  the  child,  when  she  put  her  hand  in  mine, 
while  a  bright  flush  passed  over  her  face.  "  Please,  mamma," 
she  said,  "  I  should  like  to  go  with  my  cousin." 

This  decided  me,  and  nodding  assent  from  the  window,  I  hast 
ened  to  prepare  her  for  the  ride.  Caesar  took  her  in  his  arms 
and  gave  her  to  Joseph  ;  but  he  was  not  yet  ready.  He  asked 
Caesar,  if  there  were  not  somewhere  about  the  premises,  a  soft 
cushion  suitable  for  a  princess  to  ride  upon. 

Pauline  gave  him  a  quick  look  from  under  her  long  lashes. 

"  Well,"  said  he,  correcting  himself —  "  for  a  nice  little  girl." 
He  gently  placed  her  before  him,  held  her  tightly  with  one  arm, 
and  nodding  adieu,  they  rode  away.  But  Joseph  forgot  himself 
again  before  he  reached  the  gate,  and  shouted  back,  "  You  need 
not  expect  us  till  night." 


OR,  KEVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  183 

"  Oh !  please  cousin  don't  stay  so  long,  mamma  would  be  very 
anxious,"  and  she  looked  distressed. 

Joseph  turned  the  horse  at  once,  rode  back  to  the  door  where 
we  still  stood  looking  after  them,  and  motioning  me  to  come  to  the 
st  ,?p,  said, "  We  shall  probably  be  absent  about  half  an  hour." 

I  smiled. 

'•  Dear  coz,"  he  resumed,  "  I  hope  you'll  have  something  warm 
for  me  when  I  return.  I  fancy,  I  shall  be  black  and  blue  inside  here, 
trying  to  conform  my  conversation  to  my  companion's  strict  sense 
oi  propriety." 

It  was  nearly  an  hour,  however,  before  they  returned,  and  Pau- 
liae's  eyes  were  so  bright,  her  cheeks  and  lips  so  red  that  I  gazed  at 
hor  with  admiration.  When  in  answer  to  my  question,  whether  she 
hud  enjoyed  herself,  she  replied  that  she  had  had  a  beautiful  time, 
and  that  her  cousin  "  talked  to  her  so  good."  He  said  with  a 
bow,  "  I  am  more  than  repaid  for  all  my  efforts  at  self-control." 

Thursday,  March  23d. 

Another  beautiful  day,  and  another  ride  for  Pauline.     Her 

father  is  much  encouraged  already.     She  ate  with  more  appetite 

yesterday  than  since  her  sickness.     We  have   elected   Joseph 

assistant  physician  to  the  Doctor,  and  he  is  to  take  the  patients  to 

,  ride  when  that  is  prescribed. 

lie  said,  "I  always  knew  that  sometime  or  other,  the  right 
kind  of  employment  would  come  to  me,  if  I  only  had  patience  to 
wait  for  it.  Now  duty  and  inclination  point  the  same  way,  my 
course  is  clear."  Instead  of  a  sign,  Joseph  is  to  take  Pauline  up 
on  the  horse,  and  ride  back  and  forth  through  the  town,  when  he 
has  no  doubt  applications  will  flow  in  upon  him  like  a  flood. 

Though  this  dear  cousin  is  to  appearance  such  a  harum-scarum 
sort  of  a  fellow,  yet  I  feel  assured  he  is  not  without  his  serious 
moments,  when  he  realizes  that  it  is  "  not  all  of  life  to  live."  How 
can  it  be  otherwise,  educated  as  he  has  been.  From  his  birth, 
daily  prayer  has  been  offered  in  his  behalf.  I  am  well  convinced, 


184  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

that  he  often  puts  on  this  kind  of  foolery,  as  he  calls  it,  for  a  cover 
to  deeper  feelings.  I  told  him  to-day  that  Pauline,  (who  always 
frames  her  own  petitions,)  had  prayed  for  him,  and  thanked  God 
for  giving  her  such  a  nice  cousin,  and  letting  her  take  such  beau 
tiful  rides.  I  told  him  I  sometimes  heard  her  whispering  to  her 
self  when  she  took  a  tiny  chair,  her  father  gave  her,  "  thank  you 
God  for  my  pretty  chair." 

Joseph  looked  very  serious  and  said,  "  I  should  value  her 
prayers  far  more  than  those  of  many  professing  Christians  I  could 
name.  Why,  coz,"  he  added  after  a  pause,  "  I  never  saw  such  a 
little  matter  of  fact  thing  in  my  life.  If  she  goes  on  so,  I  proph 
esy  people  around  her  will  have  to  walk  straight.  I  thought  at 
first  that  she  was  tame  ;  but  she  has  plenty  of  spirit,  only  that  she 
keeps  it  under  control.  Yes,"  he  added,  warming  with  the  sub 
ject,  "  I  have  seen  her  eye  flash,  and  her  checks  burn  for  an 
instant,  and  then  it  would  all  be  over,  and  she  would  speak  in 
the  gentlest,  sweetest  voice  imaginable.  It  sounds  like  Italian 
music." 


Friday,  March 

This  morning  after  prayers,  cousin  came  to  the  nursery  door 
and  knocked.  I  was  hearing  Pauline  repeat  her  letters,  after 
which  I  often  tell  her  a  Bible  story.  He  sat  down  quietly  until  I 
had  finished.  "  Cousin  Cora,"  said  he,  "  I  don't  believe  I  shall 
ever  be  good  ;  I've  tried,  and  tried,  since  I  have  been  here  ;  E 
resolve  every  night  I  will  be  better,  but  I  go  on  just  the  same." 

I  confess  that  for  a  moment,  I  did  not  know  what  reply  to 
make.  Pauline  had  not  left  my  side  ;  she  opened  wide  her  large 
eyes,  and  looked  first  at  me  and  then  at  her  cousin.  After  a  mo 
ment,  she  walked  across  to  the  place  where  he  sat  and  put  h  r 
hand  in  his.  "  Dear  cousin,  if  you  pray  to  God,  he  will  tell  you 
how  to  be  good,  and  mamma  will  pray  for  you." 

•The  tears  started  to  Joseph's  eyes,  as  he  kissed  the  little  hand 
in  his,  and  went  quickly  out  of  the  room. 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  185 

An  hour  or  two  afterward,  two  young  gentlemen  from  the  village 
called  to  invite  him  to  join  them  in  an  excursion  to  the  lake.  I 
was  much  pleased  with  this  attention  to  my  cousin,  and  accepted 
tlieir  invitation  in  his  name.  But  to  my  astonishment  Joseph, 
•w  len  sent  for  from  the  cottage,  declined  the  courtesy  with  many 
tlumks,  upon  the  plea  of  a  previous  engagement.  I  looked  at  him 
for  an  explanation,  little  thinking  the  promise  of  a  ride  he  had 
made  Pauline,  would  be  in  his  mind  a  sufficient  excuse. 

He  read  my  look.  u  You  know,  Cora,"  he  said,  turning  to 
me,  "it  would  be  awkward  for  me  to  be  sued  for  a  breach  of 
promise." 

The  young  gentlemen  soon  departed  to  join  their  party,  and  he 
turned  to  leave  the  room.  "I  cannot  bear  to  have  you  give  up 
so  pleasant  an  excursion,"  said  I,  detaining  him,  "  especially  on 
Pauline's  account.  I  had  just  before  you  came  in,  told  them  you 
would  be  delighted  to  accompany  them." 

"  I  should  be  far  more  delighted,"  he  answered,  "  to  give  my 
sweet  little  cousin  pleasure,  and  I  had  promised  her  the  ride." 
No  more  was  said  at  the  time.  Citisar  led  the  horse  ai'ound  to 
the  door,  ready  saddled  and  cushioned  ;  and  the  child  was  almost 
in  an  ecstasy  of  delight.  She  had  really  begun  to  look  like  her 
former  self,  and  my  hopes  rose  high  for  her  permanent  recovery. 
She  looked  really  brilliant  as  she  stood  equipped  waiting  for 
Joseph ;  her  eyes  danced  with  joy,  and  her  whole  face  was  radi 
ant  with  happiness. 

"  Am  I  not  well  paid,  coz  ?  "  said  the  young  man  glancing  at 
the  little  figure  before  him. 

••  You  are  very  kind,"  I  replied,  "  I  shall  not  soon  forget  it." 

A  shade  passed  over  his  face,  and  he  turned  back  as  if  about 
to  speak,  but  checked  himself,  and  taking  Pauline  in  his  arm?, 
placed  her  on  the  horse,  then  with  a  light  bound  sprang  to  her 
side  and  rode  away.  The  weather  is  still  mild  and  warm,  and  as 
Ann  was  busy,  I  took  Walter  in  his  wagon,  and  drew  him  around 
the  garden,  calling  at  grandmamma's.  The  young  lad  began  to 

16* 


186  CORA  AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

be  very  sleepy,  and  I  was  about  returning  to  the  house,  when 
the  equestrians  returned.  Joseph  left  Pauline  inside  the  door, 
and  Caesar  coming  forward  to  lead  the  horse,  he  hastened  to  meet 
me. 

Quietly  taking  the  handle  of  the  carriage  he  said  gravely, 
"  Cousin  Cora,  I  fear  you  will  despise  me  for  what  I  am  going  to 
say,  but  I  can't  help  it.  I  sha'n't  feel  right  until  I've  made  a 
clean  breast  of  it." 

As  I  looked  inquiringly,  but  made  no  reply  he  went  on,  "  1 
deceived  you  this  morning  by  allowing  you  to  suppose  that  I  was 
so  careful  to  redeem  my  promise  to  Pauline,  that  I  denied  myself 
the  pleasure  of  an  excursion  upon  the  lake.  Now,  I  suppose  if 
I  had  felt  inclined  to  go,  I  should  not  have  hesitated  a  moment  on 
that  account.  But  to  tell  you  the  truth,  I  was  heartily  glad  of  an 
excuse." 

"But  why?  I  should  have  supposed  that  you  of  all  others 
would  have  entered  into  such  a  frolic." 

For  a  few  moments  he  made  no  reply,  and  we  reached  the 
door.  He  intimated  that  he  would  like  to  go  the  round  again ; 
and  putting  my  arm  in  his,  we  walked  silently  on,  as  master  Wal 
ter  was  soundly  sleeping. 

"  Cora,"  said  he  at  length,  "  for  a  few  days  I  have  been  more 
miserable  than  I  can  tell  you.  I  want  to  begin  life  anew ;  but  I 
don't  know  how.  All  connected  with  this  dear  family  are  use 
fully  and  happily  employed  while  I  have  only  lived  heretofore  to 
please  myself.  Though  I  resolve,  and  re-resolve,  I  am  no  better. 
Even  little  Pauline  has  a  principle  and  strength  within  her  to 
which  I  am  a  stranger.  Can't  you  help  me,  Cora  ?  " 

I  had  never  seen  Joseph  so  earnest,  and  I  lifted  up  my  hear 
for  wisdom  to  direct  me,  that  I  might  speak  a  "  word  in  season.' 
I  then  endeavored  in  my  feeble,  imperfect  way,  to  direct  my  in 
quiring  cousin  to  the  fountain  of  all  strength.  I  told  him  while 
he  depended  upon  himself  to  keep  the  resolutions,  he  formed,  ho 
would  necessarily  fail.  But  aware  as  he  expressed  himself  to  bo 


i 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  187 

o!'  Iris  inability  to  help  himself,  if  he  would  humbly  and  earnestly 
b  > seech  God  for  Christ's  sake  to  help  him,  God  would  certainly 
a  iswer  his  prayer. 

"  I  have  tried  to  pray,"  he  replied,  much  agitated.  "  I  have 
a  ways  been  taught  to  repeat  prayers,  but  last  night  I  could  not 
sleep,  and  I  got  up  and  tried  to  pray,  but  I  found  no  answer. 
I"  othing  assured  me  that  I  was  heard." 

"  Do  not  despair,  dear  cousin.  Pray  again.  I  wish  you  would 
tulk  with  the  Doctor.  He  would  direct  you  so  much  better  than 
I  can."  This,  I  said,  as  I  saw  Frank  approaching,  having  looked 
in  vain  through  the  house  for  us. 

"As  you  please',"  he  replied  with  a  deep  sigh,  "  but  I  fear  it 
v,  ill  do  no  good."  I  left  him  with  the  carriage,  and  approaching 
my  husband  told  him  in  a  few  words  the  substance  of  our  con 
versation,  and  requested  him  to  invite  Joseph  to  the  library.  I 
then  ran  forward  to  call  Ann  to  take  Walter  up  to  his  crib. 

Joseph  looked  very  much  embarrassed  for  a  moment ;  but  I 
knew  the  Doctor  would  deal  very  tenderly  with  him,  and  at  the 
same  time  that  he  would  go  to  the  root  of  the  matter,  and  I 
anticipated  much  good  from  the  interview. 

Frank  came  to  my  room  but  for  a  moment,  before  he  rode 
away.  I  saw  that  the  time  had  not  passed  without  strong  emotion 
on  his  part.  I  have  as  yet  had  no  opportunity  to  ask  him  about 
it 

Monday,  March  27th. 

Yesterday  I  was  glad  to  notice  the  unusual  solemnity  of  Joseph's 
manner  at  church.  He  is  a  dear,  noble-hearted  fellow,  and  I 
cannot  but  hope  the  prayers  of  his  pious  parents  in  his  behalf 
will  be  answered.  I  must  confess,  I  have  sometimes  thought  they 
were  too  indulgent  in  their  training,  and  allowed  him  altogether 
too  much  money.  Considering  how  entirely  he  has  been  for  many 
years  his  own  master,  and  how  much  he  has  been  petted  at  home, 
I  think  he  is  wonderfully  free  from  faults,  especially  from  that 


188  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR. 

selfishness,   prodigality,  and  disregard  of  the  wishes   of  others 
which  is  too  often  the  result  of  such  training. 

Tuesday,  April  Atk, 

Our  dear  cousin  Joseph  has  this  morning  left  us.  I  trust  his 
visit  here  will  be  of  permanent  use  to  him.  He  expressed 
his  determination  to  enter  at  once  into  some  useful  employment, 
saying  he  had  idled  away  quite  too  many  years  of  his  life.  I  was 
struck  with  the  difference  between  Pauline  and  Walter  in  express 
ing  their  sorrow  at  his  leaving.  The  latter  screamed  as  loud  as 
his  lungs  would  allow,  and  would  hardly  leave  his  cousin  to  come 
to  me.  Pauline  with  a  tearful  eye,  and  flushed  cheek,  stood 
quietly  by  until  he  kissed  her  farewell,  when  her  lip  quivered, 
but  she  made  no  noisy  demonstration  of  her  sorrow.  I  saw  that 
this  silent  grief  went  straight  to  Joseph's  heart.  He  turned  back, 
pressed  her  tightly  in  his  arms  for  a  moment,  said  something  to 
her  in  a  low  voice  and  was  gone. 


CHAPTER    XX. 

"  The  feeling  of  a  parent  never  dies 

But  with  our  moral  nature;  all  in  vain 
The  wretch  by  cold  and  cruel  spurning  tries 
To  change  that  love  to  hate."        PERCIVAL. 

Afternoon. 

EMILY  received  to-day  a  hastily  written  note  from  Lucy  Lee, 
requesting  her  to  call  as  soon  as  possible.  I  long  to  know  what 
has  happened.  The  Doctor  visits  the  old  gentleman  once  in  a 
few  weeks.  Perhaps  I  have  not  told  you  that  he  has  several  times 
met  Allen  there.  I  am  afraid  Joseph  has  come  home,  and  found 
out  that  he  has  renewed  his  visits. 

Wednesday,  April  5th. 

1  was  entirely  wrong  in  my  fears  about  Lucy.  She  had  received 
a  loiter  from  a  physician  in  the  city  who  was  called  to  Joseph,  and 
wh'i  says  he  is  now  so  ill,  that  he  deemed  it  advisable  to  notify 
his  family.  Lucy  inferred  from  the  account,  which  was  rather 
guarded,  that  it  was  an  attack  of  the  delirium  tremens,  brought 
on  by  his  late  excesses,  hastened  perhaps  by  the  fact  of  his  leav 
ing  home  the  last  week  extremely  angry  because  his  father  refused 
to  advance  him  any  more  money.  Joseph  ascribed  it  to  Lucy's 
influence  over  the  old  man,  and  vowed  revenge. 

The  forgiving  sister  no  sooner  heard  of  the  dangerous  illness 
of  her  brother,  than  she  wished  to  go  to  him.  She  could  not  en- 
dun  >  the  thought  of  his  being  left,  alone  in  his  sickness.  Emily 
encouraged  her  to  go  at  once,  and  oifered  to  remain  with  her 
father,  to  which  her  friend  gratefully  acceded. 


190  COKA   AND    THi;  DOCTOR; 

The  Doctor  whom  they  consulted,  advised  them  to  tell  tho 
Squire  frankly  where  she  was  going,  as  if  it  resulted  as  they  feared, 
he  must  then  be  told. 

During  the  long,  long  months  of  his  confinement,  Frank  had 
observed  a  gradual  softening  of  the  old  gentleman's  feelings,  not 
only  toward  his  daughter,  but  upon  religious  subjects.  He  thinks 
that  the  daily  reading  of  the  Scriptures  by  Lucy  and  also  witness 
ing  in  her  every-day  life  the  religion  of  Jesus  so  beautifully  ex 
emplified,  has  produced  a  good  effect  on  the  heart  so  long  hard 
and  obdurate.  Frank  readily  undertook  to  prepare  his  patient  for 
the  temporary  absence  of  his  daughter,  while  Emily  assisted  her 
in  making  arrangements  for  her  immediate  departure. 

Nor  was  the  Doctor  disappointed.  Squire  Lee  was  indeed 
shocked  at  the  dangerous  condition  of  his  son  and  heir ;  but  he 
instantly  sent  for  Lucy,  and  desired  her  to  consult  her  own  feelings 
and  sense  of  duty  relative  to  joining  him.  She  took  a  most  affec 
tionate  leave  of  her  father,  whose  sorrow  at  parting  with  her 
might  seem  uncalled  for,  were  it  not  remembered  that  the  dear 
girl  had  been  for  a  long  time  his  sole  companion,  his  nurse, 
daughter,  friend  and  comforter.  Her  couch  occupies  a  room  where 
she  is  within  the  sound  of  his  voice ;  and  it  is  not  at  all  unusual 
for  her  to  arise  at  midnight  to  administer  to  him  or  to  read  a  few 
soothing  words  to  allay  the  restlessness  which  is  almost  invariably 
an  accompaniment  of  a  complaint  like  his. 

Thursday,  April  6th. 

Mother  will  remain  with  me  during  Emily's  absence.  Paulino 
continues  to  gain  in  health  and  strength.  I  was  very  much 
affected  last  night  at  her  tenderness  of  feeling.  She  wns  kneel 
ing  by  my  side  to  say  her  prayers  before  retiring,  when  all  at  once 
she  stopped  and  began  to  sob. 

"  My  dear  little  daughter,  why  do  you  cry  ?  " 

"  Dear  Mamma,''  she  replied,  still  sobbing,  "  my  cousin  told  me 
when  he  was  going  away,  that  I  must  pray  every  night,  that  God 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  191 

would  help  him  to  become  a  good  man;  and  when  I  was  going  to 
as):  God,  I  remembered  that  Joseph  had  gone,  and  it  made  me 
en  ."  She  looked  very  earnestly  at  me  as  she  inquired,  "  Is  n't 
my  cousin  good,  mamma?" 

'  I  hope  he  is,  my  love,"  I  answered,  as  I  thought  of  his  parting 
reruest  to  the  dear  child. 

[  was  making  a  few  purchases  in  the  village  this  morning,  when 
I  i  At  some  one  slightly  pulling  my  dress.  I  turned  around  and  saw 
th<  sweet  face  of  Anna  Reynolds,  lighted  up  with  such  a  joyous 
expression,  that  it  sent  a  warm  gush  of  feeling  through  my  heart. 

u  Please,  Mrs.  Lenox,  excuse  me,"  said  she  in  a  low  tone  and 
willi  far  more  than  all  the  grace  of  a  lady  of  the  court.  "  I  saw 
you  here,  and  I  desired  to  tell  you  how  very  happy  we  all  are  at 
home.  My  father  has  come  back  ;  "  and  she  reached  up  to  whis 
per,  u  he  never  drinks  rum  now,  and  we  all  go  to  church  together. 
Mother  says,  who  knows  but  Willie  and  I  may  live  in  Rose  Cot 
tage;  yet  ?  You  know  that  was  once  our  home." 

I  requested  "her  to  wait  a  moment  while  I  paid  for  my  purchases, 
and  then  I  took  her  hand  and  walked  part  of  the  way  with  her. 

From  her  simple  story,  I  learned  in  addition  to  what  I  already 
knew,  that  through  the  kindness  of  Thomas  Jones,  her  father  had 
procured  steady  employment  for  the  summer  with  a  farmer  in  the 
neighborhood,  where  he  was  entirely  free  from  temptation.  I 
warmly  sympathized  with  Anna's  delight  at  having  a  father.  She 
had  never  before  known  the  happiness. 

I  came  home  and  told  Frank  the  good  news  of  the  happiness 
of  the  Reynolds  family.  When  I  informed  him  that  Thomas 
Jones  had  procured  him  work  away  from  temptation,  and  had 
given  him  a  whole  suit  of  clothes  so  that  he  could  go  to  meeting, 
he  was  very  busy  reading ;  but  he  looked  up  in  a  minute  as  if  he 
had  heard  all,  and  with  a  queer  look,  said  he  was  glad  I  knew 
how  to  rejoice  with  those  that  rejoiced,  as  well  as  to  weep  with 
those  that  weep. 


192  CORA   AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

,  Saturday,  April  8th. 

Lucy  Lee  returned  rather  unexpectedly  last  evening.  Her 
brother  Joseph  did  not  know  her;  and  the  physician  thought  it 
not  safe  for  her  to  be  there.  To  say  the  least,  it  was  exceedingly 
unpleasant  to  the  dear  girl.  There  were  no  women  to  be  seen  in 
the  establishment.  It  required  the  strength  of  two  men  1o 
manage  him  during  his  fits  of  frenzy.  Lucy  wept  as  she  confessed 
she  could  have  submitted  to  every  inconvenience  to  be  with  him, 
were  it  not  for  his  horribly  profane  and  lewd  conversation.  He 
seemed  living  over  again  midnight  scenes  of  debauchery.  "Oh! 
Oh  !  !  "  exclaimed  the  poor  weeping  girl, "  I  never  imagined  any 
thing  half  so  awful."  She  only  saw  her  brother  twice,  once  on 
the  morning  and  again  in  the  afternoon  of  the  day  of  her  arrival 
She  said,  even  the  attendants  who  were  used  to  such  scenes,  con 
fessed  that  they  had  never  witnessed  one  half  so  bad. 

Emily  came  home  early  this  morning,  and  has  interested  u 
much  in  her  account  of  Squire  Lee.  She  says,  it  is  hard  for  ho 
to  realize  that  he  is  the  same  man  who  so  cruelly  spurned  hi 
innocent,  trembling  daughter  from  his  feet,  so  lovingly  does  h 
now  speak  to  her. 

At  the  usual  hour  for  him  to  hear  reading,  Emily  brought  ou 
the  Bible  and  began  the  story  of  Christ's  sufferings  and  dentil 
Chapter  after  chapter  was  called  for  and  listened  to  with  brcathlos 
interest.  When  Emily  closed  the  book,  he  looked  around  as  i 
missing  something,  and  sister  saw  his  eye  rest  on  a  book  of  prayer 
She  arose  and  brought  it  to  him,  not  exactly  understanding  wlia 
was  expected.  He  shook  his  head. 

"Would  you  like  to  hear  a  prayer?"  He  bowed  his  assent, 
and  turning  to  the  prayer  for  the  day  of  the  week,  and  kneelinj 
near  him,  she  read  aloud. 

His  right  hand  supported  his  headland  when  sister  arose,  the 
tears  Were  trickling  through  his  fingers  and  down  upon  his  checks. 
Several  times,  she  heard  him  say, "  poor  Joseph,  soul  and  body  — 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OP   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  193 

lo  t  by  rum —  God  forgive  me."     Many  similar  expressions  fell 
fr  >m  his  lips. 

Allen  came  in  every  day  during  Lucy's  absence,  and  Emily 
tli  jught  that  the  old  gentleman  received  pleasure  from  his  visits. 
B  ?  was  a  great  assistance  to  her  in  changing  the  position  of  the 
sufferer,  whose  left  side  is  so  paralyzed  as  to  render  it  impossible 
fo  •  him  to  raise  himself  from  the  easy  chair  in  which  he  sits. 

One  incident  which  occurred  I  must  not  omit.  Squire  Lee 
m:ide  a  remark  to  which  Emily  naturally  replied,  "  from  what  I 
re  nember  of  Mrs.  Lee,  Lucy  very  much  resembles  her  mother." 
This  led  to  the  mention  of  the  portrait  in  the  parlor.  The  old 
gentleman  sighed,  for  he  remembered  how  touchingly  his  kneeling 
daughter  had  appealed  to  it  when  he  was  last  below.  "I  should 
th  uk,"  said  Emily,  "  Lucy  woyld  have  it  hung  there,  where  you 
can  see  it  from  your  chair,"  pointing  to  a  vacant  place  on  the  wall. 
After  a  moment's  pause,  he  replied,  "  since  it  has  been  changed 
to  the  new  frame  I  have  not  thought  it  as  natural."  Joseph  had 
purchased  and  brought  from  the  city  some  years  since  massive  and 
heavy  frames,  and  the  sweet  face  so  subdued  and  tender  looked 
out  of  keeping  with  its  surroundings. 

After  a  few  moments,  Emily  called  the  attendants  to  remain 
with  her  patient,  and  hastening  to  Mrs.  Burns,  asked  if  the  old 
frames  to  the  portraits  were  in  existence.  Together  they  ascended 
to  ilie  garret,  found  the  very  article  for  which  they  were  searching, 
packed  away  with  old  rubbish.  Almost  trembling  at  her  own 
daring,  she  carried  it  below,  removed  the  picture  from  its  massive 
frame  with  the  ready  assistance  of  the  house-keeper,  and  soon  had 
it  r<  placed  in  its  old  case.  The  question  now  was  how  to  get  it 
into  the  room. 

Mrs.  Burns  said,  "Lucy  would  never  dare  to  propose  the  thing 
to  her  father.  She  has  been  trodden  upon  so  long,  she  has  no 
will  of  her  own."  Determined  to  carry  out  her  plan,  now  that  she 
had  gone  so  far,  Emily  arranged  the  cord  and  tassel  so  that  she 
could  hang  it  up  in  an  instant,  and  setting  it  down  at  the  door  of 

17 


194  CORA  AND    THE   DOCTOR. 

the  room,  returned  to  her  charge.  She  playfully  suggested  to 
him  the  idea  of  a  look  from  the  window,  and  wheeled  the  chair 
around  for  that  purpose,  when  quickly  catching  the  frame  from  it? 
hiding  place,  she  suspended  it  from  the  nail  before  the  sick  man 
had  noticed  her  absence  from  his  side.  She  stood  by  him  combing 
his  thin,  gray  locks  until  her  heart  began  to  beat  more  freely,  and 
then  wheeling  the  chair  back  to  its  usual  place,  awaited  with  no 
little  trembling,  the  result  of  her  project.  She  now  magnified  in 
her  own  mind  the  oft  repeated  necessity  for  perfect  quiet  and  free 
dom  from  excitement. 

She  took  a  book,  and  sat  down,  when  she  saw  her  patient  give 
a  start  that  almost  threw  him  out  of  his  chair,  saying  in  a  half 
frightened,  though  joyful  tone,  "  My  wife  !  my  wife !  !  my  own 
dear  Mary,  do  forgive  me  ! " 

Emily  hastened  to  reassure  the  old  gentleman  who  did  not 
attempt  to  speak  again  for  some  minutes ;  but  when  she  playfully 
told  him  of- the  pleasant  surprise,  she  intended,  he  confessed  that 
for  a  moment  he  thought  his  wife  had  appeared  to  him  to  upbraid 
him  for  his  cruel  treatment  of  her  daughter.  But  now  nothing 
could  induce  him  to  have  her  portrait  removed. 


CHAPTER    XXI. 

**#**"  Thy  natal  day, 

Love  bids  it  welcome,  the  love  which  hath  smiled, 

Kver  around  thce,  my  gentle  child ! 

Watching  thy  footsteps  and  guarding  thy  bed, 

And  pouring  out  joy  on  thy  sunny  head. 

Roses  may  vanish,  but  this  will  stay, — 

Happy  and  bright  is  thy  natal  day."        MRS.  HEMAKS. 

Tuesday,  April  \\ih. 

WALTER  has  to-day  taken  his  first  exercise  in  walking  alone. 
He  is  very  proud  of  his  achievement,  but  no  more  so  than  his 
little  sister  who  stands  at  a  short  distance  with  outstretched  arms 
and  utters  the  encouraging  words,  "  Come,  dear  brother ;  come 
to  sister ! " 

He  makes  the  attempt,  but  is  so  elated  that  he  does  not  regard 
the  good  old-fashioned  precept,  "  Let  him  that  thinketh  he  standeth, 
take  heed  lest  he  fall,"  and  straightway  he  lies  prostrate  on  the 
floor.  But  sister  is  not  discouraged,  and  amidst  shouts  of  delight 
on  his  part,  and  sweet  musical  tones  on  hers,  he  is  placed  against 
the  wall  and  prepares  for  a  new  triumph.  Pauline  is  not  satisfied 
that  there  should  be  so  few  present  to  witness  the  'astonishing 
feat.  She  runs  to  the  library  for  her  father.  "  Oh  !  papa,  come 
quirk,  and  see  what  Walter  can  do  ! "  She  soon  assembled  the 
whole  household.  Papa  looked  on  with  the  most  complacent  of 
smiles,  hardly  knowing  which  to  admire  more,  the  new  use  to  which 
his  first-born  son  was  determined  to  put  his  understanding,  or  the 


196  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

unselfish  triumph  of  his  little  daughter.  Cresar,  Phebe  and  Ann 
loudly  applauded  the  little  fellow.  This,  as  is  often  the  case  with 
persons  of  riper  years,  only  made  him  top-heavy  and  brought  him 
sooner  down  to  his  proper  level.  But  nothing  daunted,  he  started 
again,  rendered  almost  wild  by  the  hearty  cheers  of  those  around 
him.  At  last,  mamma  came  to  the  rescue.  The  young  hope  of 
the  house  must  rest  for  a  season,  in  anticipation  of  new  trials  and 
new  victories. 

Evening. 

Emily  called  to  hear  the  last  advices  from  Joseph  Lee.  The 
latest  intelligence  was  quite  encouraging.  The  patient  is  much 
more  calm  and  sleeps  well  under  the  influence  of  powerful  ano 
dynes,  and  if  nothing  new  occurs,  bids  fair  to  recover.  If  he  were 
the  most  affectionate  of  brothers,  Lucy  could  not  feel  more  grate 
ful.  She  wrote  to  his  physician  to  spare  no  expense  for  the 
comfort  of  her  brother,  who  would  ere  long,  she  hoped,  be  able  to 
return  home. 


Wednesday,  April 
This  is  the  second  anniversary  of  my  wedding.  How  much 
happiness  has  fallen  to  my  lot  !  My  own  Frank  grows  every  day 
more  dear  to  me.  How  fervently  he  prayed  this  morning  for  me 
and  for  himself,  giving  thanks  to  God  for  our  happy  union  and 
the  various  blessings  with  which  divine  mercy  has  crowned  it,  and 
seeking  for  us  still  larger  supplies  of  grace,  that  increased  fidelity 
to  its  duties  may  perpetuate  and  multiply  our  joys.  May  God 
give  me  grace  to  prove  myself  a  worthy  help-meet  !  I  often  fear 
that  I  am  too  much  engrossed  with  my  earthly  treasures.  My 
husband,  children  and  friends  occupy  too  much  of  my  time  and 
thoughts,  while  I  am  liable  to  forget  the  Giver  of  these  rich 
mercies.  Oh,  that  I  may  not  in  this  way  bring  upon  myself  hi.s 
chastening  rod  !  Oh,  that  all  my  earthly  affections  may  be  so 
sanctified  as  to  be  acceptable  to  my  Father  in  heaven  ! 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  197 

Tuesday,  May  2d. 

This  is  my  dear  Walter's  birth-day.  Through  how  many 
sc<  nes  liave  I  passed  in  one  year !  This  was  indeed  the  hour  of 
na  are's  trial.  But  oh !  how  richly  is  the  agony  of  the  mother 
re; aid  by  her  joy  at  the  sound  of  the  sweet  voice  so  soon  calling 
he  mamma!  Next  to  home,  the  embodiment  of  all  earthly  joys, 
thi  •;  is  to  me  the  sweetest  word  in  all  our  language.  From  the 
boitom  of  my  heart  I  pity  the  Stoic  who  cannot  comprehend  the 
ful  and  precious  import  of  the  word  home. 

Evening. 

"We  have  had  quite  a  little  fete  in  honor  of  our  young  Lenox. 
Phcbe  exercised  all  her  skill  in  the  preparation  of  a  birthday 
calc,  which  was  however  intended  for  the  guests,  the  children 
beiug  perfectly  content  with  a  piece  of  the  frosting. 

Pauline's  tiny  set  of  china  was  brought  in  requisition.  This 
was  a  present  from  her  father  on  her  own  birth-day,  which  we 
celebrate  on  the  sixth  of  June,  the  day  on  which  we  received  her 
as  :i  precious  boon  from  heaven.  The  dear  girl,  with  Ann  for  an 
assistant,  arranged  the  table  in  the  dining-room,  and  issued  the 
invitations  in  behalf  of  her  brother;  and  when  her  feast  was 
ready  went  round  from  room  to  room  to  lead  in  her  guests. 

Kone  of  the  household  were  omitted,  though  Ruth  was  obliged 
to  excuse  herself  as  she  had  been  previously  invited  to  officiate  as 
bridemaid  in  the  village.  Papa  and  mamma  were  permitted  to 
occupy  seats  together  on  one  side  of  the  table,  a  privilege  which 
the  gentleman  acknowledged  by  a  low  bow.  Grandmamma  and 
aunt  Emily  sat  opposite.  Master  Lenox  was  in  his  high  ehair  at 
the  head  of  the  table,  with  good  Caesar  and  Phebe  beside  him. 
Pauline  took  the  seat  which  I  usually  occupied,  with  Ann  by  her 
side. 

Our  sable  friends  had  joined  in  the  birth-day  sports  of  Mass'r 
Frank  and  Misse  .Emily,  and  felt  no  embarrassment  in  sitting 
with  us  on  such  an  occasion,  in  honor  of  which  Phebe  had  donned 

17* 


198  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

a  new  turban  of  brilliant  hues,  and  Caesar  had  given  his  face, 
eyes,  and  teeth  an  extra  shine.  But  Ann  felt  it  necessary  to 
apologize  for  the  liberty,  and  said  "  Miss  Pauline  would  have 
it  so." 

The  Doctor  replied  •  pleasantly,  "All's  right,  Ann,  Pauline 
knows  what  is  proper."  As  for  the  child,  her  duties  became 
rather  onerous.  She  flew  around  the  table,  moving  one  here  and 
another  there,  until  at  length  her  guests  were  arranged  to  her  sat 
isfaction.  Then  she  resumed  her  own  seat. 

Thinking  that  he  had  waited  quite  long  enough,  "Walter,  with  a 
quick  motion  jumped  up  in  his  chair,  and  helped  himself  to  a 
large  piece  of  the  sugared  cake  which  stood  before  him.  Pauline 
was  shocked,  and  said  "  Please,  brother,  don't  do  so,  I  was  just 
going  to  ask  papa  to  •say  grace."  But  her  papa  was  laughing  so 
much  that  he  declined  to  officiate  as  chaplain,  and  advised  her  to 
distribute  her  treat  at  once. 

To  tell  the  whole  truth,  the  young  gentleman,  in  honor  of 
whom  the  invitation  was  given,  did  not  get  to  himself  much  credit 
by  his  conduct  on  the  occasion.  He  upset  everything  within 
his  reach,  and  was  only  appeased  when  his  obliging  friend  at  his 
side  allowed  him  the  free  use  of  his  cui'ly  head  for  a  plaything, 
when  he  soon  had  his  little  fingers  so  tangled  in  the  wool  as  to 
allow  the  rest  of  the  company  an  opportunity  to  enjoy  themselves 
in  peace. 

If  all  the  truth  must  be  told,  the  grave  Doctor,  from  whom  we 
should  least  have  expected  trouble,  did  not  certainly  distinguish 
himself  by  sobriety.  Indeed  I  was  obliged  to  request  his  mother 
to  dismiss  him  from  the  table,  unless  he  could  control  his  risible?. 

Never  was  matron  more  perplexed  and  annoyed  by  the  con 
duct  of  guests  than  was  our  hostess.  Flushed  with  excitement. 
her  brow  knit  with  anxiety  lest  some  one  should  be  overlooked, 
she  flew  around,  and  then  remembering  that  this  was  not  mam 
ma's  manner,  she  returned  to  her  seat  and  there  tried  to  do  tho 
honors  in  the  most  approved  style. 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  199 

Friday,  May  12th. 

Lucy  has  received  a  letter  from  Joseph  in  reply  to  one  from  her, 
urging  him  to  come  home.  In  it  he  manifests  the  most  horrible 
di  -regard  of  his  own  state,  just  arising  from  what  appeared  to  be 
hi  i  death-bed,  and  also  of  the  gradually" dying  condition  of  his 
fa  her,  and  refuses  ever  to  go  beneath  "  the  accursed  roof  while 
tli  3  old  man  lives."  The  deeply  afflicted  sister  is  horrified  be- 
y<  nd  measure,  but  of  course  will  conceal  the  letter  from  her 
fai  her. 

Squire  Lee  has  often  asked,  if  Joseph  is  not  coming  home,  and 
fee  Is  grieved  that  his  son  left  him  in  anger.  He  confessed  to  the 
Doctor,  a  few  days  ago,  that  the  sins  of  Joseph  lay  heavily  upon 
hi;-  conscience,  at  the  same  time  repeating  a  quotation  from  the 
morning  reading  in  which  the  woe  was  pronounced  upon  Eli  and 
his  house  "  because  his  sons  made  themselves  vile,  and  he  re 
strained  them  not." 

Saturday,  May  13th. 

I  called  at  Squire  Lee's  to-day,  and  happening  to  have  Pauline 
with  me,  I  took  her  up  into  the  old  gentleman's  room.  He  ap 
peared  extremely  feeble,  and  after  I  had  said  a  few  words  to  him, 
and  was  turning  to  take  a  seat,  Lucy  led  Pauline  toward  the  bed. 
"With  a  look  of  horror  upon  his  countenance,  he  screamed,  "  Who 
is  she  ?  Who  is  she  ?  I  don't  want  her  here.  Oh,  let  her  go 
away ! " 

The  poor  child  began  to  cry,  and  I  hastily  led  her  from  the 
room,  wondering  why  the  sight  of  her  should  cause  such  unusual 
agitation.  Lucy  sent  a . servant  to  beg  me  to  go  into  the  parlor, 
where  she  would  soon  meet  me.  I  took  Pauline  in  my  lap,  bat  it 
was  tome  time  before  I  could  succeed  in  soothing  her.  She  said, 
"  the  sick  man  makes  dreadful  faces  at  me." 

Lucy  said,  her  father  wished  her  to  apologize  to  me,  and  to 
say,  that  the  child  resembled  so  strongly  a  lady  he  had  known 
when  in  Europe,  that  for  a  moment  he  thought  her  standing  be- 


200 


CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR. 


fore  him.  "  But  when  I  fold  him,"  she  added,  "  it  was  your  little 
girl,  he  was  relieved  at  once.  I  think,"  continued  she,  with  slight 
agitation,  "  father  must  have  had  some  unpleasant  associations, 
connected  with  the  lady,  he  mentioned,  for  he  was  laboring  under 
strong  excitement,  while  the  perspiration  stood  in  drops  upon  his 
brow." 

On  my  return,  I  related  to  Frank  what  had  happened ;  he  said 
I  had  better  avoid  taking  Pauline  there  again,  since  such  excite 
ments  might  prove  fatal  to  his  patient.  I  don't  remember  that  the 
old  gentleman  ever  saw  her  before. 


CHAPTER    XXII. 

*        *        *        *        "'Tis  with  our  souls 

As  with  our  eyes,  that,  after  a  long  darkness, 

Are  dazzled  at  th'  sudden  approach  of  light; 

When  in  th'  midst  of  fears  we  are  surpris'd 

With  unexpected  happiness ;  the  first 

Degrees  of  joy  are  mere  astonishment."        DUNHAM. 

Saturday,  May  20lh. 

I  HAVE  been  to-day  with  Emily  and  Pauline  to  make  some 
calls.  On  our  return,  we  drove  to  the  small  tenement  occupied 
by  the  Reynolds  family.  We  found  the  contented,  happy  wife 
busy  in  the  performance  of  her  household  duties.  She  said,  she 
wanted  to  sing  for  joy  at  the  reformation  of  her  husband.  He 
was  well  with  the  exception  of  a  dreadful  faintness  at  his  stomach, 
the  consequence  of  leaving  off  the  stimulus  to  which  he  has  been 
so  long  accustomed.  She  said,  she  had  sometimes  thought  of 
applying  to  the  Doctor  for  a  remedy;  "but,"  she  added  with 
emotion,  "  after  all  he  has  done  for  us,  I  do  not  wish  to  trouble 
him/' 

I  answered,  "  he  will  take  pleasure  in  rendering  your  husband 
relief." 

"  Oh  yes,  indeed,  we  are  all  aware  of  that.  William  would  not 
have?1,  had  the  employment  which  enables  him  to  support  his  family, 
had  your  husband  not  gone  to  Mr.  Hunter  and  presented  the  case  to 
him.  Then  it  would  have  been  a  long  time  before  he  could  have 
earned  clothes  suitable  to  go  to  church." 

"  Mr.  Jones  knows  well  how  to  sympathize  with  him  in  his 
efforts  to  reform." 


202  COKA   AND    THE   DOCTOR 

"  Yes,"  and  a  curious  look  passed  over  her  face.  "  But  htf 
told  William  at  last  that  he  could  not  keep  it  from  him  any  longer. 
Thomas  did  indeed  go  with  him  to  the  tailor's,  and  order  the  gar 
ments,  but  it  was  by  direction  of  your  good  husband,  who  paid  thf 
bill." 

"  Oh !  Frank,"  said  I  to  myself, "  you  've  begun  to  have  secret:? 
and  to  keep  them  from  me."  Yet  I  was  quite  delighted  that  my 
husband's 

"  Charity  ever 

Finds  in  the  act  reward,  and  needs  no  trumpet 
In  the  receiver." 

As  we  were  leaving,  Mrs.  Reynolds  said, "  I  walked  last  evening 
to  our  old  home,  and  it  made  my  heart  ache  to  see  how  neglected 
the  place  appeared.  But  my  husband  has  a  purpose,  and  if  God 
prospers  us  with  health  and  strength,  we  shall  accomplish  it.  This 
is  to  purchase  back  the  cottage.  Do  you  think,"  she  eagerly 
asked,  "  the  Squire  would  refuse  to  sell  ?  " 

Emily  fell  into  such  a  reverie  that  I  could  get  no  answer  to  my 
numerous  questions  until  we  reached  home.  Then  she  directed 
Caesar  to  drive  her  to  Squire  Lee's. 

Monday,  May  29/7*. 

For  a  number  of  days  some  mysterious  project  has  been  going 
forward.  Emily  spends  half  her  time  with  Lucy  Lee.  The 
Doctor  is  implicated  in  it,  as  I  perceive  from  sundry  whisperings 
and  signs,  which  are  instantly  hushed  at  my  approach.  Yesterday 
I  came  upon  them  unawares,  and  heard  distinctly  mention  made 
of  a  lawyer,  legal  instruments,  witnesses  and  the  like.  I  can  easily 
imagine  that  Lucy  is'to  be  married  to  Allen  ;  and  that  the  Doctor 
and  a  lawyer  are  advising  the  old  gentleman  about  his  will.  How 
astonished  they  will  be  at  my  shrewdness,  when  I  tell  them,  I  wa- 
well  aware  of  their  secret  all  the  time. 

Tuesday,  May  SOtk. 
How  true  it  is  that  life  is  made  up  of  sun  and  shade.  I  was  never 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  203 

more  impressed  with  this  idea  than  I  have  been  to-day.  A  short 
ti;  le  since  I  called,  as  I  mentioned,  upon  Mrs.  Reynolds,  and 
fo:ind  her  in  comfort,  with  her  husband  restored  to  her  and  to  his 
family,  and  looking  forward  with  joyous  anticipation  to  the  time 
wlion  they  should  be  the  proprietors  of  their  once  beautiful  home. 

Alas  !  how  soon  these  hopes  wei-e  dashed !  The  poor  woman 
ca  ne  to  me  this  morning,  weeping  bitterly.  It  has  been  their 
cu  >tom  when  the  father  returned  from  his  work,  and  when  the 
lal>or  of  the  day  was  completed,  for  all  the  now  united  and  happy 
fai  lily  to  take  a  stroll  for  pleasure.  Almost  invariably  their  steps 
ha/e  been  directed  to  the  place  rendered  dear  by  pleasant  asso 
ciations.  Last  evening  when  they  were  approaching  it,  they  were 
greatly  astonished  to  see  that  something  unusual  was  going  forward, 
and  hastening  their  steps,  they  found  to  their  dismay  that  the 
occupants  had  received  notice  to  vacate  the  premises,  as  the  place 
was  sold.  Vain  were  all  their  endeavors  to  learn  the  name  of  the 
purchaser.  The  tenants  neither  knew  nor  cared,  for  they  were 
perplexed  at  being  obliged  to  leave  their  comfortable  quarters, 
though  they  acknowledged  that  one  month's  rent  had  been  given 
them  by  the  purchaser,  in  consideration  of  their  consenting  to 
leave  at  once. 

I  Lardly  conscious  of  what  she  did,  Mrs.  Reynolds  followed  her 
hu&band  from  room  to  room,  rendered  desolate  by  the  removal  of 
the  furniture  while  harder  and  harder  grew  the  face  of  the  bowed 
man,  until  at  length  he  sunk  upon  the  steps  of  the  door,  and  cried 
i  aloud.  "I  didn't  know  until  then,"  she  added,  "how  much  he 
had  *et  his  heart  upon  having  the  old  place.  True  it  has  been 
our  constant  conversation  whenever  he  has  been  at  home ;  and  so 
sure  did  he  feel  of  going  back,  that  he  had  promised  each  of  the 
children  a  flower-garden  equal  to  any  their  mother  ever  had." 

1  could  not  keep  back  my  tears  at  witnessing  the  unrestrained 
grief  of  the  afflicted  woman.  "  I  could  bear  it  myself,"  she  con 
tinued,  sobbing,  "  but  William  has  given  up,  and  says,  it  is  no  use 
ow,  trying  to  be  anything." 


204  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

Though  I  feared,  it  would  be  in  vain,  I  did  all  I  could  to 
encourage  her  and  told  her  the  Doctor  would  inquire  about  it, 
and  see  if  the  purchaser  could  not  be  bought  off.  "At  any 
rate,"  I  said,  "  William  can  put  up  a  cottage  like  it.  You  must 
not  allow  your  husband  to  despond."  She  went  away  with 
her  heart  somewhat  lightened.  When  Frank  came  in,  I  related 
her  story  to  him,  and  was  greatly  encouraged  by  his  hopeful  view 
of  the  subject. 

He  said, "  I  will  see  Reynolds  immediately."  I  am  often  aston 
ished  that  my  dear  husband  with  so  large  a  practice  finds  time 
to  render  so  many  acts  of  kindness  to  those  around  him. 

Tuesday,  June  Q(h. 

My  dear  mother,  I  have  so  much  to  tell  you,  I  scarcely  know 
where  to  begin.  Frank  has  hinted  to  me  a  number  of  times,  that 
he  intended  to  celebrate  Pauline's  birth-day  in  good  style,  as  the 
poor  girl  had  taken  such  a  burden  upon  herself  at  the  celebration 
of  her  brother's  birth-day.  But  when  I  inquired  for  farther  par 
ticulars,  he  always  turned  it  off  with  a  laugh.  When  I  went  this 
morning  to  the  kitchen,  I  found  Phebe  in  her  element,  saying. 
"  Mass'r  Frank  gib  orders  for  cake  and  pies,  for  twenty  people, 
and  Ruth  say  ole  missus  is  g'wine  to  make  bread  and  boil  meat." 

What  can  all  this  mean !  I  walked  straight  to  the  cottage  to 
learn  what  I  could  from  mother.  My  rising  wrath  at  being  kept 
so  entirely  in  the  dark  was  somewhat  mollified  by  finding  her  as 
ignorant  as  myself.  She  was,  however,  busy  in  preparing  dishes 
for  a  bountiful  supper,  according  to  the  wish  of  Emily.  My  dear, 
artless  mother  did  not  deceive  me,  when  she  pretended  not  to  hear 
as  I  eagerly  asked, "  have  you  no  idea  of  the  meaning  of  all  this 
secrecy  ?  "  I  said  no  more,  but  walked  back,  soliloquizing  whether 
it  would  be  wiser  for  me  to  insist  upon  knowing  without  farther 
delay,  or  to  allow  matters  to  approach  the  crisis.  I  had  concluded 
upon  the  latter  course  when  I  saw  Frank  drive  into  the  yard.  I 
did  not  stop,  however,  for  I  intended  to  keep  up  my  dignity,  and 


OK,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  205 

to  appear  perfectly  indifferent.  So  I  went  to  my  room  and  gave 
Pauline  her  lesson ;  but  Frank  peeped  in  and  beckoned  me  away. 

I  put  on  a  very  serious  air  and  followed  him.  "  Come  now," 
said  he,  kissing  me,  "  you  can't  make  me  believe  you  are  angry  ; 
I  see,your  mouth  twitch ;  I  've  some  good  news  for  you." 

In  my  curiosity,  I  threw  away  my  reserve,  and  listened  eagerly 
to  his  story,  which  I  must  go  back  a  little  to  render  intelligible. 
It  appears  that  Emily's  large  heart  was  swelling  with  "  a  purpose  " 
when  she  so  suddenly  started  for  Squire  Lee's,  on  our  return  from 
visiting  the  humble  abode  of  Mrs.  Reynolds.  Undefined,  at  first, 
-lie  confessed  it  was ;  but  a  vague  idea  was  flitting  through  her 
nind,  of  persuading  the  owner  to  give  back  Rose  Cottage  to  its 
brmer  occupants.  Sometimes  her  hopes  rose  high,  and  then  she 
was  tempted  to  abandon  her  project.  The  thought  of  expecting 
"  the  hardened  old  man "  (as  the  Squire  had  universally  been 
called  until  his  sickness,)  the  thought  of  asking  such  a  man  to  give 
away  what  he  valued  at  ten  or  twelve  hundred  dollars,  merely  to 
encourage  the  reformation  of  his  inferior  who  had  been  ruined  in 
his  employment,  s.eemed  hopeless  and  absurd.  But  the  image  of 
the  patient  sufferer,  eagerly  listening  to  her  praises  of  his  daugh 
ter,  gave  her  courage  to  proceed,  and  she  tapped  gently  at  the 
door  of  his  room,  where  she  was  sure  to  find  Lucy. 

After  talking  pleasantly  with  the  old  gentleman  for  a  few 
moments,  Lucy  in  obedience  to  a  motion  from  Emily,  retired  with 
her  to  the  inner  apartment.  There  she  made  bold  to  divulge  her 
plans  and  wishes,  to  which  there  was  no  want  of  attention  on 
the  part  of  the  listener.  She,  however,  made  no  reply  until 
Emily  had  finished,  when  she  took  her  hand,  saying,  "  Come  and 
tell  father." 

From  this,  even  the  courageous  Emily  shrank,  saying  "  No, 

i icy,  you  will  do  the  business  far  better." 

Uut  Lucy  only  smiled,  and  pulled  her  forward,  saying,  "  Tell 
him  just  as  you  have  told  me.  He  won't  be  displeased." 

So  Emily  sat  down  at  his  feet  and  told  him  all  her  heart.  He 
18 


206  CORA   AND    THE    DOCTOR; 

listened  with  a  pleased  attention ;  and  when  she  described  the 
patient  suffering  of  the  gentle  Anna,  the  beautiful  children  cursed 
with  a  drunken  father,  his  breast  heaved  with  emotion.  Emily 
grew  warm  with  her  subject,  and  remembering  that  she  was  ask 
ing  more  than  he  had  ever  done  in  his  life,  she  burst  out,  "  Dear 
sir,  if  you  should  make  this  family  happy,  it  would  be  so  delightful 
for  you  to  reflect  upon  as  you  sit  here  day  after  day.  You  would 
become  so  interested  for  them,  and  Lucy  would  so  rejoice  to  hear 
their  generous  praise  of  their  kind  benefactor." 

He  shook  his  head  while  a  few  tears  silently  coursed  down  his 
furrowed  cheek.  "  You  forget  that  I  made  them  miserable." 

"  "Well,  then,"  she  continued,  "  now  you  have  an  opportunity  to 
turn  their  grief  into  joy,  and  to  render  them  very  happy  ;  "  and 
looking  at  the  portrait  opposite,  upon  which  the  sun  was  shining, 
"  how  happy  she  would  have  been  to  have  you  perform  so  generous 
an  act." 

There  appeared  to  be  a  dreadful  conflict  between  his  incrusted 
covetousness  and  the  benevolence  which  by  the  grace  of  God  was 
springing  up  in  his  soul.  Lucy  came  and  kneeled  by  Emily's 
side  holding  her  father's  hand  caressingly  in  hers.  "  Well, 
daughter,"  said  he  affectionately,  "  Rose  farm  is  yours,  give  it  to 
whom  you  please." 

The  young  advocates  were  overjoyed  at  their  success,  and  Lucy 
kissed  her  father  repeatedly,  while  Emily  warmly  pressed  his 
hand.  In  the  peace  and  joy  which  filled  his  breast,  Squire  Lee 
for  the  first  time  realized  the  truth  of  the  inspired  declaration, 
"  It  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive." 

Lucy  readily  promised  to  keep  the  whole  transaction  a  profound 
secret  until  the  proper  moment  should  arrive  for  the  denouement. 
Emily  also  promised  with  the  assistance  of  her  brother  to  arrange 
all  the  business. 

Wednesday,  June  1th. 
I  had  not  time  last  evening  to  finish  Emily's  story.    Her  fre- 


OK,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  207 

cuent  conversations  with  Frank  were  connected  with  the  legal 
t .  ansfer  of  the  estate.  How  wise  I  thought  myself  in  having  seen 
ilirough  their  plot! 

At  length,  all  was  concluded.  The  legal  instruments  were 
]  repared  and  executed,  conveying  the  property  from  the  Squire 
t  >  his  daughter,  and  from  her  to  Mrs.  Reynolds  and  her  children, 
r  ^serving  the  use  thereof  to  Mr.  Reynolds,  provided  he  remained 
t  me  to  his  pledge  of  entire  abstinence  from  intoxicating  drinks. 
1  !ut  in  the  event  of  his  violating  his  pledge,  the  same  was  to  revert 
to  his  wife  and  children. 

The  family  occupying  the  house,  were  the  next  morning  notified 
to  leave,  as  Emily  had  determined  to  restore  it  to  its  original 
beauty.  The  Doctor,  however,  insisted  that  I  should  have  the 
pleasure  of  giving  the  furniture,  and  he  put  money  into  her  hand 
for  that  purpose. 

The  important  day  had  now  arrived  for  the  removal  of  William 
and  Anna  Reynolds  to  their  sweet  home,  while  as  yet  they  knew 
nothing  of  the  great  happiness  in  store  for  them.  It  was  for  the 
purpose  of  carrying  me  to  invite  them  to  Pauline's  birth-day 
party,  that  Frank  had  returned.  He  had  left  Emily  and  Lucy 
busily  engaged  in  setting  up  the  furniture  which  Ciesar  had  yes 
terday  carried  there.  I  rode  with  him  to  their  humble  abode,  and 
found  Anna  sitting  at  her  sewing  in  rather  a  disconsolate  mood, 
on  account  of  the  continued  grief  of  her  husband,  at  the  supposed 
loss  of  the  cottage. 

l.ut  she  very  gladly  accepted  Miss  Pauline's  invitation  and 
promised  to  keep  her  children  from  school  and  to  be  ready  when 
Ca-sar  should  call  for  them.  Such  a  bustle  of  preparation  as  now 
went  forward,  I  have  hardly  seen.  The  good  Cresar  was  con 
stantly  coming  and  going,  laden  with  baskets  of  provisions,  crockery 
and  other  household  utensils.  As  he  passed  the  door,  he  stopped 
the  horse,  and  drawing  himself  up,  said  in  a  consequential  tone, 
«  C;esar  knows  Misse  Emily  no  do  Avidout  dis  chile  on  dis  great 


208  CORA   AND   THE   DOCTOR  ; 

'casion.  Mass'r  Lenox  allus  powerful  good  to  sich  kind.  Dis 
de  gemman  allus  'prove  mass'r  plans." 

At  length,  the  hour  arrived,  and  Pauline  was  arranged  in  a 
white  dress  with  pink  sash  and  bows  to  hei  sleeves.  I  left  her  at 
Rose  Cottage  with  the  assembled  company,  and  as  requested 
returned  with  Cassar  to  bring  the  new  proprietors  to  their  abode. 

They  were  all  in  readiness,  William  arrayed  in  his  new  suit, 
and  evidently  striving  to  appear  cheerful ;  Mrs.  Reynolds,  Anna 
and  "Willie  were  neatly  dressed  for  the  occasion.  When  we  were 
seated  in  the  carriage,  I  told  Ctesar,  I  had  an  errand  at  the  west 
part  of  the  town ;  and  if  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Reynolds  would  excuse 
us,  we  Avould  go  there  first.  Coesar  showed  his  white  teeth  so 
much  that  I  feared,  they  would  suspect  something.  As  we  ap 
proached  our  destination,  I  saw  white  dresses  here  and  there 
flitting  by  the  windows,  and  a  little  head  peeping  from  the  attic 
to  watch  for  us. 

William  covered  his  face  with  his  hands.  He  could  not  bear 
to  witness  the  improvements  which  he  had  already  planned  for 
himself.  Mrs.  Reynolds  held  her  husband's  hand  in  silence,  while 
the  children  eagerly  looked,  expecting  that  we  should  drive  past. 
But  when  we  stopped,  and  first  Lucy,  then  Emily,  followed  by 
mother,  the  Doctor  and  Pauline  came  to  the  door  and  bid  them 
welcome  to  Rose  Cottage,  it  was  too  much.  William  sprang  up 
on  his  feet,  and  stood  with  a  vacant  look,  first  at  one,  and  then  at 
another,  and  finally  sank  back  on  the  cushion  weeping  aloud. 
Mrs.  Reynolds  turned  very  red  and  pale  by  turns,  while  the 
children  shouted  for  joy,  as  they  were  helped  from  the  carriage 
into  the  newly  painted  hall. 

It  was  not,  however,  till  assisted  by  the  Doctor  (for  his  tremb 
ling  knees  would  scarce  support  him)  that  Mr.  Reynolds  could 
speak.  When  he  with  his  wife  were  seated  in  the  neatly  furnished 
parlor,  Lucy  with  moistened  eyes  presented  him  with  a  docu 
ment,  when  he  exclaimed,  "  I  can't !  Oh  !  1  can't  take  it  J  " 


OK,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  209 

Frank  saw  that  he  was  laboring  under  some  mistake,  though 
what  it  was  he  could  hardly  conceive,  and  fearing  lest  the  joy 
would  be  too  much  for  him,  he  took  the  document  from  the  donor, 
and  said  kindly,  "  My  good  friends,  this  young  lady  is  the  owner 
of  the  cottage,  and  she  has  invited  us  here  to  partake  of  a  little 
least  in  honor  of  Pauline's  birth-day.  As  this  was  formerly  your 
home,  we  thought  it  would  be  pleasant  for  you  to  meet  us  here." 

"  Oh  !  no !  NO  ! !  I  can't  stay,"  cried  the  poor  man  sobbing 
aloud,  and  wiping  his  eyes  with  the  sleeve  of  his  coat. 

"But,"  persisted  Frank,  "  I  thought  you  were  very  anxious  to 
see  the  new  owner,  in  order  to  ascertain  whether  you  could  at 
some  future  time  purchase  it  yourself." 

"  Yes,  so  I  was,  and  so  I  am,  but  not  here"  He  soon,  however, 
became  more  composed. 

Mrs.  Reynolds  appeared  to  suffer  almost  as  much  as  her  hus 
band  ;  but  long  sorrow  had  given  her  more  control  over  her  feel 
ings.  "  William,"  she  said  in  a  low  voice,  "  our  friends  who  have 
done  so  much  for  us  invited  us  here  to  give  us  pleasure.  Let  us 
try  to  enjoy  it.  They  could  not  know,"  she  continued  with  a  sigh, 
"  how  very  sad  we  should  feel." 

I  stood  near  them,  and  almost  without  a  thought,  asked,  "  How 
can  you  bear  to  live  here  then  when  you  have  purchased  it  ?  " 

"  Oh  !  that  would  be  very  different,"  replied  Anna.  "  But  will 
her  father  allow  her  to  sell?  "  she  inquired,  looking  most  earnestly 
at  Lucy.  William  also  aroused  at  this  question,  and  with  open 
mouth  awaited  the  reply. 

I  looked  at  Lucy  with  a  smile,  and  she  said,  "  it  is  with  his 
consent  and  permission  that  I  now  make  over  to  you  the  right 
and  title  to  Rose  Cottage.  Henceforth  it  is  yours." 

For  one  instant,  they  both  seemed  stupefied ;  and  then  as  if 
actuated  by  one  heart,  they  sunk  upon  their  knees.  Amid  tears 
of  joy,  we  all  followed  their  example,  when  Frank  in  a  most 
appropriate  prayer  thanked  God  in  their  behalf  and  dedicated  the 
happy  abode  to  " temperance)  union  and  love" 

18* 


210  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOB. 

When  we  arose,  our  hearts  were  somewhat  relieved.  Mi 
Reynolds  pressed  his  wife  to  his  heart,  and  thanked  God  for  such 
a  treasure.  When  he  became  more  composed,  he  said,  "  I  am 
well  aware  that  it  is  the  purity  and  goodness  of  my  Anna  which 
have  thus  met  their  reward ;  but  I  hope  and  believe,  this  gift  will 
stimulate  me  to  imitate  her  example." 

I  cannot  describe  to  you  the  astonishment  as  well  as  delight  of 
the  now  happy  pair  as  they  went  from  room  to  room,  and  beheld 
the  well  filled  closets,  and  every  convenience  for  house-keeping. 
They  could  not  realize  such  a  change  in  the  Squire  as  that  he 
should  voluntarily  give  up  this  property.  When  we  sat  at  the 
well  furnished  board,  Emily,  who  presided,  playfully  asked  Mrs. 
Reynolds  to  excuse  her  for  taking  the  head  of  the  table.  But 
that  lady  could  not  reply  except  by  a  tearful  smile.  We  hurried 
through  supper  in  order  to  leave  the  family  alone  and  give 
them  an  opportunity  to  recover  from  their  excited  feelings.  As 
we  did  so,  Lucy  put  into  Mrs.  Reynolds's  hand  the  document, 
her  husband  had  refused. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

"  Habitual  evils  change  not  on  a  sudden, 
But  many  days  must  pass,  and  many  sorrows ; 
Conscious  remorse,  and  anguish  must  be  felt, 
To  curb  desire,  to  break  the  stubborn  will, 
And  work  a  second  nature  in  the  soul, 
Ere  virtue  can  resume  the  place  she  lost." 

ROWB. 

Wednesday,  August  23d. 

THE  Doctor  received  a  hasty  note  from  Lucy,  requesting  him 
to  call  this  morning  at  his  earliest  convenience.  He  did  so,  and 
found  his  patient  agitated  and  trembling,  who  immediately  re 
quested  to  be  left  alone  with  Frank. 

"  Dr.  Lenox,"  said  he,  "  I  have  sent  for  you  to  receive  a  con 
fession  from  me,  which  I  little  thought  would  ever  pass  my  lips." 
He  tried  to  wipe  the  moisture  which  was  gathering  on  his  face, 
but  his  hand  shook  so  much  that  he  was  unable.  Frank  took  a 
seat  near  him  and  performed  that  office,  when  he  continued,  "  I 
have  been  a  great  sinner,  Doctor,  as  you  well  know ;  but  there  is 
one  crime  lying  upon  my  conscience,  which  I  would  gladly  give 
all  I  am  possessed  of  to  be  free  from.  Oh,  dear ! "  He  gasped 
convulsively.  "You  don't  know,  you  have  never  felt  the  agony 
of  remorse ! " 

Frank  tried  to   soothe  his  patient,  and  pointed  him  to  the 

Saviour  as  one  ready  to  bear  all  our  sins.     "I've  tried  to  think 

so   Doctor  ;    sometimes  the  devil  tempts  me  to  believe  that  there 

:  can  be  no  forgiveiless  of  sins  like  mine.     In  addition  to  all  my 


212  COKA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

drunkenness  and  profanity,  all  my  abuse  of  widows  and  orphans, 
and  all  my  grinding  the  face  of  the  poor,  I  have  been  —  Oh !  — 
Oh,  dear  I —  I  am  a  MURDERER.  ! " 

Frank  started  involuntarily.  But  Squire  Lee  cried  aloud, 
while  the  Doctor  bathed  his  temples,  and  endeavored  to  quiet 
him,  but  reluctantly  allowed  him  to  proceed.  Making  a  great 
effort  to  control  himself,  the  distressed  invalid  proceeded  to  say, 
that  while  abroad  many  years  ago,  he  had  met  a  lady  who  inter 
ested  him  more  than  any  one  he  had  ever  seen.  Though  his 
wife  was  still  living  at  home,  he  had  fallen  in  love  with  her,  and 
had  made  the  most  disgraceful  proposals  to  her,  which  she  repel 
led  with  scorn.  "  She  told  me,"  he  exclaimed,  "  her  husband  was 
in  India,  and  that  it  was  well  for  me  that  such  were  the  case,  for 
he  would  revenge  to  the  death  such  an  insult  to  his  wife.  Her 
indignation  only  added  to  her  beauty ;  and  I  was  almost  beside 
myself  that  I  could  not  accomplish  my  purpose.  But  I  deter 
mined  to  have  my  revenge.  I  wrote  anonymously  to  her  hus 
band,  at  first  only  hinting  at  her  unfaithfulness  to  him,  but  subse 
quently  stating  the  facts  more  fully.  There  was  a  gentleman 
who  spent  much  of  his  time  in  her  society  and  in  the  education 
of  her  child.  It  was  this  man  to  whom  I  referred  in  my  letter  to 
her  husband,  though  I  had  abundant  reason  to  know  that  her 
character  was  above  suspicion.  Sometime  later,  when  my  wicked 
passion  had  had  time  to  cool,  I  again  passed  through  the  place, 
and  to  my  horror  learned  that  my  letters  had  been  the  means  of 
recalling  her  husband  from  abroad,  and  of  the  death  of —  of 
both  —  of  them !  Yes,  Colonel  Shirley  killed  his  friend,  and  his 
wife  died  of  a  broken  heart,  leaving  her  husband  to  suppose  her 
the  guilty  woman  whom  I  had  falsely  represented." 

Squire  Lee  here  groaned  heavily  and  was  overcome  by  his 
emotions.  "  Doctor,"  said  the  agonized  man  when  he  revived, 
"  a  word  more ;  you  cannot  realize  what  a  relief  this  will  be  here," 
laying  his  hand  upon  his  breast.  Frank  bowed  assent.  The 
sick  man  then  earnestly  begged  the  Doctor  to  take  the  name  of 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  213 

C  olonel  Shirley,  and  to  use  ^every  means  in  his  power  to  ascer- 
t;  .in  whether  that  gentleman  were  living ;  and  if  he  should  ever 
S':e  or  hear  of  him,  to  communicate  to  him  the  fact  of  his  wife's 
innocence,  and  of  the  fiendish  revenge  which  prompted  the  writer 
o '  those  letters. 

Thursday,  September  7th. 

The  Doctor  was  hastily  summoned  yesterday  to  Squire  Lee, 
\\  ho  has  had  another  shock  of  paralysis.  But  it  proved  to  be 
slight  compared  with  the  first.  It  was  occasioned  by  his  receipt 
ol'  a  bank  notice  from  the  city  of  New  York,  of  a  note  left  there 
for  collection,  and  signed  by  his  son  Joseph  as  agent  for  his 
father,  and  requesting  the  immediate  payment  thereof.  The 
bank  notified  the  father  instead  of  the  son,  who  had  falsely  assum 
ed  to  act  as  his  agent,  and  who  was  reported  to  have  left  the 
country. 

At  first  the  Squire  was  very  angry,  and  said  to  Lucy,  "  I  must 
pay  this  note,  but  it  is  the  last  he  shall  ever  have  from  my 
estate." 

Monday,  October  2d. 

I  think  Squire  Lee  supposes  himself  to  be  near  his  end.  A 
few  weeks  since,  he  requested  his  daughter  to  leave  him  alone 
with  Allen,  when  he  asked  the  young  man,  "Do  you  still  love 
Lucy?" 

'•  I  have  never  ceased  to  love  her,"  was  the  reply. 

'•  Then,"  said  the  old  gentleman,  in  a  very  affecting  manner,  "  my 
daughter  is  a  good  girl,  and  I  should  like  to  see  her  happily  mar 
ried  before  I  die."  He  also  added,  "if  you  marry  her,  you  will 
not  have  a  portionless  bride." 

Monday,  October  Sth. 

E;nily  has  just  consented  to  gatothe  city  to  make  some  pur 
chases  for  the  intended  bride,  as  Lucy  cannot  think  of  leaving  her 


214  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

father,  who  is  very  feeble.     He  told  her  in  the  presence  of  Allen, 
that  he  did  not  wish  their  marriage  to  be  delayed. 

The  ardent  lover  persuaded  Lucy  to  name  an  early  day  ;  and 
the  nineteenth  of  this  month  is  decided  upon.  It  will  be  strictly 
a  private  wedding.  The  service  is  to  be  performed  in  the  cham 
ber  of  the  invalid,  with  only  our  family  as  witnesses.  Lucy  wish 
ed  Emily  to  be  her  bridemaid  ;  but  as  there  was  no  one  intimate 
enough  in  the  family  with  whom  it  would  be  pleasant  for  her  to 
stand,  sister  easily  persuaded  her  to  dispense  with  this  part  of  the 
ceremony. 


Thursday,  October 
To-day  I  accompanied  the  Doctor  and  Emily  to  Squire  Lee's. 
He  is  exceedingly  feeble,  and  Frank  almost  feared,  lest  the  ex 
citement  of  the  occasion  would  be  too  much  for  him.  But  the 
service  was  very  short  and  informal.  When  we  were  seated, 
Allen  and  Lucy  came  in  from  the  adjoining  room,  a  short  prayer 
was  offered  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Munroe,  the  covenant  of  marriage 
was  administered  and  received,  by  which  the  parties  pledged 
themselves  to  a  faithful  performance  of  the  duties  of  husband  and 
wife,  as  set  forth  in  the  holy  scriptures,  the  benediction  was  pro 
nounced,  and  our  dear  friend  was  Lucy  Lee  no  longer,  but  Mrs. 
Lucy  Mansfield.  In  this  new  character,  she  stepped  forward 
quickly  to  her  father  and  kissed  his  pale  brow,  while  we  silently 
retired  from  the  room,  the  Doctor  alone  remaining  with  the  pa 
tient.  And  he  joined  us  in  a  few  moments,  leaving  the  sick  man 
far  less  fatigued  than  we  had  feared. 

Frank  says,  he  would  give  a  great  deal  to  know  whether 
Squire  Lee  has  made  provision  for  his  daughter.  After  we  all 
left  the  room,  Lucy  sat  on  a  cricket  chafing  his  poor  withered 
hand.  He  looked  at  her  with  melting  tenderness,  as  he  said 
to  Frank,  who  had  returned  to  him,  "  Doctor,  she  is  a  good 
girl."" 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  215 

Friday,  October  20th. 

The  Doctor  called  yesterday  to  see  whether  his  patient  had 
suffered  from  the  excitement  of  the  previous  day.  Lucy  was 
requested  by  her  father  to  leave  the  room,  when  he  asked  Frank 
to  tell  him  plainly  how  long  he  should  probably  live.  The  Doc 
tor  replied  that  he  might  linger  some  weeks ;  but  it  would  not 
surprise  him,  if  he  did  not  live  many  days,  and  he  advised  him 
to  set  his  house  and  his  soul  in  order  to  meet  the  solemn  event. 
Squire  Lee  thanked  him,  and  said,  "  I  have  much  to  do ;  I  must 
delay  no  longer." 

Encouraged  by  his  calmness,  Frank  had  a  very  interesting 
conversation  with  him,  and  was  rejoiced  to  find  him  in  a  humble, 
penitent  frame  of  mind,  with  a  trembling  hope  of  forgiveness 
through  the  blood  of  Christ. 

"  He  wept;  lie  trembled;  cast  his  eyes  around, 
To  find  a  worse  than  he;  but  none  he  found. 
He  felt  his  sins,  and  wonder'd,  he  should  feel, 
Grace  made  the  wound,  and  grace  alone  could  heal." 

AVhen  the  Doctor  called  again  to  see  his  patient,  Mrs.  Burns 
said  that  the  Squire  had  sent  the  porter  out  for  a  man  who  was 
then  engaged  with  him,  and  that  she  believed  them  to  be  making 
a  will,  as  she  had  answered  the  bell,  and  had  taken  into  the  chamber 
paper,  pens  and  other  apparatus  for  writing  ;  and  when  doing  so 
she  had  heard  her  master,  in  a  feeble  voice  say  something  in  which 
she  clearly  distinguished  the  words  "  legal  instrument." 

The  Doctor  told  her  not  to  interrupt  them,  and  assured  her 
that  he  would  call  again.  Not  long  after,  Jacob,  the  porter,  came 
in  haste  for  him  to  go  back,  saying  that  he  had  been  twice  to  the 
oifice  in  the  village  to  find  him. 

Frank  met  him  on  the  road  and  instantly  returned  with  him. 
On  the  way,  he  was  told  a  lawyer  had  been  sent  for  who  soon 
went  out  and  returned  with  two  other  men.  After  they  all  re- 


216  CORA    AND    THE    DOCTOR; 

tired,  Lucy  hastened  to  the  room,  fearing  the  effect  of  this 
unusual  excitement  upon  her  father.  But  as  he  lay  perfectly 
quiet,  she  supposed  him  to  be  sleeping.  She  sat  by  his  side, 
when  perceiving  that  he  remained  for  a  long  time  in  exactly  the 
same  position,  she  became  alarmed  and  began  to  chafe  his  temples 
and  hands.  But  as  he  still  remained  unconscious,  she  called  Allen 
and  sent  for  the  Doctor.  When  Frank  entered  the  chamber,  he 
found  him  slightly  revived,  but  unable  to  speak.  lie  will  not 
probably  survive  many  hours.  Lucy  is  very  anxious  for  the 
Doctor  to  remain  through  the  night,  and  he  sent  me  word  that  he 
had  consented  to  do  so. 

Tuesday,   October  24th. 

My  dear  husband  did  not  return  home  until  near  noon,  as  he 
has  many  patients  whom  he  was  obliged  to  visit  after  leaving 
Squire  Lee's.  He  remained  by  the  bed  of  the  dying  man  the 
entire  night.  Poor  old  man !  It  was  really  affecting  to  see  how 
hard  he  tried  to  speak.  He  is  very  anxious  to  make  Lucy 
comprehend  something,  but  she  cannot  get  the  least  clew  to  it. 
The  feeble  invalid  wept  that  they  could  not  understand  him.  At 
length,  Frank  put  a  pencil  into  his  hand  and  held  the  paper  before 
him  ;  but  in  vain.  He  could  not  hold  the  pencil,  and  shook  his 
head  in  despair. 

About  eight  o'clock  this  morning,  the  Doctor  was  called  from 
the  room  by  Mrs.  Burns,  who  said  to  him,  "  Mr.  Colby,  the  lawyer, 
is  below ;  and  when  informed  that  you  were  in  the  house,  he  re 
quested  to  see  you." 

Before  they  entered  the  parlor,  Mrs.  Burns  in  a  low  but 
agitated  voice,  said,  "  Dr.  Lenox,  do  ask  him  if  Mr.  Lee  was 
making  his  will  yesterday.  I  know,  the  dear  old  man  meant  to 
do  right  by  Lucy." 

As  Frank  opened  the  door,  Mr.  Colby  arose,  and  bowed,  saying, 
"  I  have  been  told  by  the  house-keeper  that  Squire  Lee  is  suffer- 


OB,  REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  217 

ii  5  from  another  attack  of  paralysis ;  and  I  wish  the  opinion  of 
1.  5  physician  whether  he  is  in  a  sound  and  disposing  mind,  and  is 
capable  of  finishing  some  business  transactions." 
The  Doctor  replied,  "  he  is  not." 

"  I  hold  in  my  hand,"  continued  the  lawyer,  looking  over  a 
document,  a  deed  of  gift  of  a  small  house  and  a  piece  of  land. 
Ii  is  in  favor  of  a  widow  by  the  name  of  Churchill,  whose  prospects 
huve  been  ruined  by  her  husband  while  in  Squire  Lee's  employ. 
The  language  of  the  deed  is  a  little  singular  for  a  man  of  his 
cl  aracter.  It  reads  as  follows  :  '  Deeply  regretting  in  the  sight  of 
God,  before  whom  I  am  soon  to  appear,  the  various  wrongs  of 
waich  I  have  been  guilty  toward  Otis  Churchill  and  through  him 
to  \vard  his  family,  and  in  consideration  of  his  long  and  valuable 
set-vices  the  receipt  of  which  I  hereby  acknowledge,  I  do  give, 
grant  and  convey  unto  his  wife,  Mrs.  Hepsibah  Churchill,  her 
heirs  and  assigns  a  certain  lot  of  land  with  the  house  thereon,  it 
being  the  same  which  I  took  from  her  husband  in  execution  of  a 
mortgage  thereon,  situated  and  bounded  thus  — .'  " 

AVhile  Frank  was  rejoiced  that  his  dying  patient  had  felt  dis 
posed  to  do  something  to  restore  the  widow  and  orphan  to  the 
happiness  which  had  been  destroyed  by  his  influence,  he  could  not 
help  sighing  as  he  feared  lest  a  suitable  provision  for  his  daughter 
had  been  too  long  postponed,  if  not  wholly  neglected.  Mr.  Colby 
was  exceedingly  interested  and  anxious  to  ascertain  how  long  it 
was  after  he  took  leave  of  him  on  the  preceding  day,  when  the 
old  gentleman  was  seized  with  this  attack.  He  asked  if  it  were 
indeed  true,  as  the  house-keeper  had  informed  him,  that  the  old 
gentleman  had  not  spoken  since  he  left. 

Learning  from  the  Doctor  that  the  patient  was  now  in  a  dying 
condition,  he  departed,  expressing  great  regret  that  the  state  of 
the  invalid  should  render  it  impossible  for  him  to  transact  the 
legal  business  contemplated. 

Wednesday,   October  25th. 

Emily  has  just  returned  from  Squire  Lee's,  where  she  has  been 
19 


218  CORA   AND   TIIE   DOCTOR; 

since  yesterday.  The  servants  are  in  dreadful  excitement  for 
fear  Joseph  should  be  left  in  possession  of  all  the  property,  since 
it  cannot  be  ascertained  that  a  new  will  has  been  made.  They 
vehemently  declare  that  they  will  leave  the  house  when  their 
dear  young  mistress  does.  It  appears  very  clear  that  the  father 
intended  to  make  a  new  will  from  what  he  said  to  Allen,  and  also 
from  what  Mrs.  Burns  heard  him  say  to  his  daughter  the  morning 
after  the  wedding,  when  she  was  preparing  him  to  receive  the 
lawyer.  Lucy  was  then  smoothing  his  gray  hair,  and  affection 
ately  kissed  his  pale  cheek,  when,  holding  her  hand  he  said,  "  you 
must  try  to  forgive  your  poor  old  father  for  all  his  cruel  treatment 
of  you.  You  can  take  pleasure  in  thinking  that  by  your  affec 
tionate  care,  you  have  made  my  last  years  the  happiest  of  my 
life."  Then  after  a  short  pause,  during  which  Lucy  could  not 
command  her  voice  to  speak,  he  continued,  "  I  mean  to  give  you 
this  estate  and  Allen  shall  —  "  Here  a  fit  of  coughing  interrupted 
him,  and  he  never  after  renewed  the  subject. 

Emily  says,  "  the  dear  girl  is  so  affected  at  the  thought  of 
losing  her  father,  that  she  does  not  seem  to  realize  that  by  his 
death  she  is  to  be  cut  off  from  everything.  Allen,  however,  is  in 
a  prosperous  business,  and  I  do  not  doubt  she  will  be  happy. 

Mr.  Colby  called  again  last  evening ;  but  of  course  no  business 
could  bo  transacted.  Allen  asked  him,  if  he  had  transacted  busi 
ness  for  the  Squire  heretofore,  and  thought  him  slightly  em 
barrassed  as  he  replied  that  he  had  done  so,  but  principally 
through  the  son.  Allen  farther  asked,  if  he  knew  where  Joseph 
was  at  present,  and  ascertained  that  he  was  on  the  eve  of  depar 
ture  for  Europe.  Mr.  Colby  farther  stated  that  a  document 
had  formerly  been  put  into  his  hand  which  he  supposed  to  be  a 
will. 

Thursday,  October  2Gth. 

Lucy  is  very  anxious  to  have  her  brother  come  home  if  possible 
to  see  her  father  once  more ;  and  Allen  wrote  a  note  to  Mr.  Colby 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  219 

Pegging  him  to  go  to  New  York  and  detain  Joseph  from  his 
. oyage  until  after  the  funeral. 

This  morning  Squire  Lee  revived  from  the  dreadful  stupor  in 
vhicli  he  has  been  lying  for  nearly  twenty-four  hours,  and  was 
,  ible  to  swallow  a  few  tea-spoonfuls  of  wine  and  water. 

He  again  tried  to  make  them  understand  something.  He 
pointed  with  his  hand  to  Lucy,  then  to  the  articles  of  furniture, 
ilien  back  to  her.  The  cold  clammy  sweat  stood  in  drops  upon 
ils  forehead  from  his  violent  attempts  to  articulate. 

"  Dear,  dear  father,"  said  the  weeping  girl,  unable  to  bear  it 
longer,  "  don't  try  to  speak." 

He  pointed  again. 

"  Do  you  wish  me  to  understand  that  I  am  to  have  them  ?  " 

His  countenance  brightened  at  once. 

"  Thank  you,  dear  father,  all  will  be  right." 

He  fixed  his  eyes  for  a  long  time  upon  the  lovely  countenance 
suspended  from  the  wall,  and  then  closed  them. 

Lucy  asked  in  a  low  voice,  "  can  you  trust  your  Saviour  ?  He 
lias  promised  to  save  you  if  you  will  but  trust  him." 

The  dying  man  slowly  opened  his  eyes,  a  bright  smile  passed 
over  his  features,  and  his  spirit  took  its  flight.  That  glorious 
emile  of  triumph  through  the  Beloved  still  lingers.  No  doubt 
hid  eternity  will  be  spent  in  singing  the  abounding  grace  of  God. 

Friday,  October  21th. 

A  dreadful  accident  happened  in  the  village  to-day.  Mr.  Stone, 
a  respectable  mechanic,  fell  from  the  top  of  a  house  where  he  was 
at  work  upon  the  chimney.  The  staging  gave  way,  and  he  was 
precipitated  to  the  ground,  a  distance  of  over  thirty  feet.  He 
has  no  family,  and  has  not  long  been  a  resident  in  the  place ; 
nevertheless  there  is  great  sympathy  manifested  at  his  sudden 
dentil.  The  Doctor  reached  him  about  twenty  minutes  after  he 
fell,  but  found  him  dying ;  and  thinks  that  he  knew  nothing  after 
he  struck  the  ground.  He  immediately  wrote  his  parents  to 


220  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOR 

ascertain  their  wishes  with  regard  to  the  body  of  their  unfortunate 
son. 

How  true  it  is  that  in  the  midst  of  life,  we  are  in  death ;  one 
moment  in  time ;  the  next  in  eternity.  The  family  where  Mr. 
Stone  boarded,  and  where  Frank  obtained  the  address  of  his 
parents,  describe  him  as  a  very  moral,  upright  young  man  who 
attended  church  regularly  on  the  Sabbath,  and  who  seldom  left 
the  house  after  he  came  in  from  his  work  in  the  evening.  His 
landlady  was  very  much  affected  when  the  Doctor  carried  her  the 
intelligence ;  but  said  she  thought  him  prepared  to  die. 


CHAPTER    XXIV. 

"  This  fond  attachment  to  the  well  known  place 
Whence  first  we  started  into  life's  long  race, 
Maintains  its  hold  with  such  unfailing  sway, 
We  feel  it  even  in  age,  and  at  our  dying  day." 

COWPER. 

> 

Saturday,  October  2Sth. 

THE  funeral  services  of  Squire  Lee  are  to  take  place  on  Mon 
day  afternoon.  Joseph  has  not  yet  arrived.  Allen  is  not  at  all 
sure  that  he  did  not  immediately  leave  the  country  as  they  heard, 
for  fear  his  father  would  refuse  to  pay  the  note  he  had  forged 
under  the  false  signature  of  agent  of  the  firm.  But  Lucy  feels 
sure  he  would  not  be  willing  to  leave  until  their  father  died,  and 
the  estate  was  settled.  Poor  girl !  she  has  wept  until  she  can 
weep  no  longer.  She  now  begins  to  realize  the  trial  of  leaving 
her  dear  home,  and  all  the  associations  connected  with  her  mother 
and  father. 

Mr.  Mansfield,  Allen's  father,  has  expressed  his  earnest  desire 
to  have  them  leave  the  house  directly  after  the  funeral,  and 
make  their  home  with  him.  But  Lucy  will  not  consent  to  leave 
until  Joseph  arrives,  or  until  she  is  forced  to  do  so.  Emily  thinks 
she  secretly  hopes  that  her  brother  will  wish  to  share  the  estate 
witli  her,  when  he  knows  his  father's  dying  wishes.  Her  husband 
has  no  idea  of  this  kind,  and  says  he  is  only  too  happy  in  the  pos 
session  of  such  a  treasure  as  his  Lucy.  He  is  now  in  business 
with  his  father ;  and  though  not  abie  to  live  in  the  splendor  she 

19* 


222  CORA   AND   THE   DOCTOR, 

did  before  her  father's  sickness,  yet  he  can  give  her  every  com 
fort,  and  he  is  sure  he  can  make  her  happy. 

Monday,  October  30th. 

I  was  exceedingly  disappointed  in  not  being  able  to  attend  the 
funeral,  but  I  will  give  you  Emily's  account  of  the  services. 
Mother  accompanied  Frank  and  sister  to  the  house  of  mourning. 
Being  the  members  of  the  family  of  the  attending  physician,  they 
were  shown  into  the  room  with  the  relatives.  This  is  the  com 
mon  usage  here.  The  adjoining  rooms,  hall,  and  stair  way,  were 
filled  to  overflowing  with  neighbors  and  friends.  Our  pastor  com 
menced  the  solemn  services  of  the  occasion  by  reading  a  few 
select,  and  very  appropriate  passages  of  Scripture.  These  were 
followed  by  remarks,  in  which  he  alluded  to  the  change  in  the 
character  of  the  deceased,  and  to  his  peaceful  death.  He  stated, 
that  during  the  past  year,  he  had  enjoyed  many  conversations 
with  him  upon  the  subject  of  personal  religion.  He  had  always 
exhibited  at  such  times,  a  humble,  penitent  spirit,  and  a  deep 
sense  of  gratitude  to  a  long  suffering  God,  who  had  not  cut  him 
off  in  the  midst  of  his  sins ;  but  had  allowed  him  space  for  repent 
ance.  He  then  closed  with  an  appropriate  and  impressive  prayer. 

When  he  had  concluded,  an  opportunity  was  afforded  for  all 
who  desired  to  take  their  last  look  at  the  marble  countenance  of 
the  departed.  After  this  a  long  procession  followed  his  remains 
to  the  place  of  sepulchral  rest. 

During  all  this  mournful  scene,  Joseph,  who  had  arrived  an 
hour  before  the  obsequies,  exhibited  the  most  astonishing  indiffer 
ence.  Not  a  tear  evinced  sorrow  at  the  loss  of  his  only  parent ; 
though  his  affectionate  sister  was  bitterly  Aveeping  at  his  side. 
He  sat  a  loathsome,  bloated  form,  gazing  abstractedly  about  the 
room,  or  yawning  as  if  already  weary  of  this  last  poor  respect  to 
the  memory  of  his  deceased  father. 

In  compliance  with  the  request  of  Allen  and  Lucy,  the  Doctor 
and  Emily  returned  to  Lee  Hall,  to  be  present  at  the  reading  of 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN  S   WIFE.  2'23 

1  lie  will.  As  Joseph,  the  executor,  had  but  just  arrived,  he  was 
i  ot  in  possession  of  the  document,  and  sent  Jacob  to  Mr.  Colby  to 
!  rocure  it.  He  soon  returned,  and  after  Lucy  had  summoned 
..Irs.  Burns  to  the  room,  Joseph  proceeded  to  read  it.  This  legal 
(  ocument,  you  will  remember,  was  dated  on  the  very  day  Lucy 
i  tifused  to  marry  "William  Arnold,  and  had  no  doubt  long  been 
]  eenly  regretted  by  the  testator.  By  this  unrighteous  instrument, 
liis  affectionate  daughter  was  cut  off  from  any  portion  of  her 
lather's  estate,  which  was  all  bequeathed  to  his  son  Joseph 
Lee,  Jr. 

This  brought  so  vividly  to  the  remembrance  of  the  weeping 
(  uughter  the  trials  which  had  long  been  forgotten,  or  thought  of 
but  as  a  troubled  dream,  that  she  could  scarcely  support  herself. 
Emily  besought  her  to  be  comforted,  reminding  her  of  the  words 
cf  a  favorite  poet, 
• 

"  The  darkest  day, 
Live  till  to-morrow,  will  have  passed  away." 

The  Doctor  had  long  determined,  if  an  opportunity  presented 
itself,  to  tell  Joseph  what  he  knew  to  be  the  wishes  of  his  father ; 
and  to  state  his  conviction  that  he  had  intended  to  provide  for  his 
daughter  in  a  later  will.  This  he  now  did,  and  appealed  to  him 
as  a  son  and  brother  to  perform  the  oft  repeated  wish  of  his  father 
toward  his  sister.  He  was  proceeding  to  say  that  Mrs.  Burns,  who 
had  been  present  on  some  of  these  occasions,  could  corroborate 
this  testimony  when  he  was  interrupted  by  Joseph,  who  had  waited 
with  ill-concealed  impatience  for  him  to  finish. 

"  It 's  of  no  use  wasting  words  in  this  matter,"  said  he,  trying  to 
control  his  angry  feelings,  "  If  she  whom  you  call  my  sister,  had 
acceded  to  the  wishes  of  her  father,  (whom  she  now  pretends  to 
mourn;  in  the  choice  of  a  husband,  this  will  would  never  have 
been  executed.  Jf  she  had  remained  single,  I,  as  the  executor, 
and  only  heir,  should  have  set  it  aside,  and  shared  the  property 
equally  with  her.  But  as  she  has  chosen  her  path,  so  she  must 


224  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

walk  in  it ;  as  she  has  married  a  mean  rascal,"  (for  the  first  time 
letting  his  eye  rest  upon  Allen,  and  with  the  look  of  a  fiend,)  she 
must  take  the  consequences." 

At  the  first  mention  of  his  wife  in  this  insulting  manner,  Allen 
had  started  to  his  feet ;  but  the  Doctor  put  his  hand  gently  upon 
his  arm,  and  he  sank  back  into  his  seat. 

Poor  Lucy  was  spared  the  pain  of  hearing  his  insolent  mention 
of  her  husband ;  she  had  fainted  in  Emily's  arms. 

All  was  now  confusion.  Mrs.  Burns  was  flying  for  restoratives. 
Emily  and  Allen  chafing  her  cold  hands,  while  the  servants 
alarmed  at  the  noise  were  running  in  from  every  direction.  Joseph 
walked  deliberately  into  another  room,  slamming  the  door  after 
him.  The  Doctor  proposed  taking  the  unconscious  bride  to  her 
own  apartment.  Emily  indignantly  refused,  and  said,  "  I  will  not 
leave  her  in  the  house  another  moment."  But  neither  her 
husband  nor  her  physician  would  consent  to  have  her  leave  in 
that  condition.  Beside  the  latter,  determined  to  leave  nothing 
undone,  meant  secretly  to  make  one  more  appeal  to  Joseph  in  his 
sister's  behalf. 

After  a  few  moments,  the  sufferer  drew  a  long  sigh,  and  becom 
ing  conscious,  stared  wildly  about  the  room,  and  then  burst  into  a 
passionate  fit  of  weeping. 

The  Doctor,  who  knew  this  scene  ought  not  to  be  prolonged, 
sat  down  by  her  side,  and  gently  tried  to  soothe  her.  lie  soon 
drew  from  her  the  fact  of  her  strong  desire  to  carry  with  her  the 
portraits  of  her  parents. 

Emily  began  to  urge  her  afflicted  friend  to  hasten  her  departure. 
In  truth  she  says  that  she  feared  every  moment  a  fresh  outrage  ; 
and  Lucy  left  the  room  feebly,  as  if  the  weight  of  years  had  fallen 
upon  her.  She  wished  to  go  through  the  house  and  take  a  sor 
rowful  leave  of  the  home  of  her  childhood,  arid  more  especially 
of  the  apartment  where  she  had  spent  two  years  in  the  society 
and  care  of  her  father  ;  now  hallowed  by  the  remembrance  of  his 
peaceful  death.  Mrs.  Burns  supported  her  on  one  side,  and 

- 


OR,    KEVELATIONiJ    OF    A   PHYSICIAN'S  WIFE.  225 

Lmily  on  the  other,  while  sue  thus  took  her  sad  farewell  of  places 
mid  objects  so  ctear  to  her  heart. 

It  was  not  the  thought  of  leaving  the  gorgeously  furnished 
\  arlors,  where  the  brilliant-kued  carpets  gave  back  no  echo  of  the 
f  < iot-step  —  where  were  mirrors  the  height  of  the  rooms  —  chan- 
cL'liers  where  the  light  was  caught  and  reflected  from  innumerable 
L  mging  crystals  —  crimson  velvet  lounges  and  divans  whose 
o  itstretched  arms  invited  repose ;  it  was  not  the  thought  of 
lc  aving  these  which  overpowered  her.  No ;  it  was  the  nursery 
Oi'  her  childhood,  —  the  cradle  of  her  infancy  —  the  closet,  in 
\\  hich  kneeling  by  her  gentle  mother,  she  had  first  learned  to 
p;-ay —  the  private  sitting-room  where  her  willing  ears  first  drank 
in  vows  of  affection  from  her  Allen  —  the  chamber  in  which  both 
father  and  mother  had  breathed  out  their  souls  to  God.  These 
were  the  places  and  objects  over  which  she  yearned  in  agony  of 
spirit  as  she  gazed  her  long  farewell. 

Then  came  her  separation  from  the  old  servants  who  had  many 
of  them  remained  for  years  solely  out  of  affection  for  her.  And 
who,  when  her  sorrow  for  herself  was  changed  to  care  for  her 
stricken  father,  had  shared  her  duties  and  attentions  to  him  during 
the  long  period  of  his  sickness.  She  assured  them  she  should 
never  forget  their  faithfulness  or  affection.  Mrs.  Bums,  who  had 
long  been  regarded  as  a  friend  and  companion,  was  to  accompany 
her,  and  for  the  present  to  remain  in  the  house  of  her  father-in- 
law.  The  rest  crowded  around  her  and  wept  aloud. 

In  the  mean  time  the  Doctor  had  taken  advantage  of  their 
absence  to  venture  into  the  presence  of  Joseph ;  when  he  asked 
him  if  it  was  indeed  his  intention  to  drive  his  only  sister  from  her 
home. 

The  unnatural  brother  coldly  replied,  "  she  must  leave,  and  the 
sooner  the  better  for  all  concerned." 

Frank  then  begged  for  her  the  portraits  of  her  parents. 

«  No,  not  an  article  shall  she  —  "  but  seeing  an  awful  look  of 


226  CORA   AND   THE   DOCTOR  ; 

indignation  on  the  Doctor's  face  he  checked  himself,  and  said, 
"well,  I  won't  object  to  that;  they're  no  use  to  me.  You  may 
tell  her  she  may  take  them,  —  and  stay,"  he  added  as  Frank  was 
leaving  the  room,  "  tell  her  that  she  may  send  a  servant  for 
all  her  gewgaws  and  finery;  I  shall  want  them  out  of  the 
way." 

His  indignant  hearer  deigned  not  a  word  of  reply,  but  left  the 
room,  and  told  Allen  to  take  the  portraits,  which  with  a  few  articles 
for  immediate  use  were  put  into  the  carriage,  and  with  grateful, 
though  sad  adieus  to  their  sympathizing  friends  they  drove  away. 

Emily  would  not  remain  a  moment  longer.  "  Get  me  away  ! 
I  can't  breathe  here ! "  she  exclaimed  to  her  brother,  as  they 
were  waiting  for  the  carriage. 

Tuesday,  October  31st. 

Mrs.  Burns  returned  to-day  to  Lee  Hall,  and  found  it  indeed 
desolate.  Not  a  servant  remained  but  the  porter ;  and  he  had 
only  been  detained  for  a  few  days,  by  a  promise  of  great  wages. 
While  Mrs.  Burns  was  packing,  he  came  stealthily  to  her  room, 
and  told  her  what  had  taken  place  after  she  left.  Shutting  him 
self  in  his  own  apartment  to  avoid  the  disagreeable  scenes  around 
him,  the  new  owner  of  this  princely  mansion  hastened  out  when 
all  was  quiet  to  order  brandy  and  cigars  to  be  brought  in  with 
supper.  He  rang  the  bell.  There  was  no  response.  He  rang 
again.  He  then  walked  angrily  to  the  kitchen,  but  all  was  deserted. 
He  stamped  and  swore  until  the  maid  servants  clung  together  in 
their  affright,  and  only  wished  themselves  safely  out  of  the  house. 
Each  one  of  them  would  far  sooner  have  given  up  the  wages  due 
them,  than  to  have  ventured  into  the  presence  of  this  monster  in 
human  form. 

At  length  he  was  heard  coming  up  stairs,  and  Jacob  came  out 
of  his  room  dressed  to  leave  ;  when  really  pitying  his  frightened 
companions,  he  determined  to  turn  Joseph's  anger  against  him- 


OK,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  227 

:  elf.  After  hearing  the  most  abusive  language  unmoved,  Jacob 
•  old  his  master,  he  would  follow  him  to  the  parlor,  and  there 
•eceive  his  directions. 

Joseph  appeared  to  remember  that  he  was  compromising  his 
-lignity  by  condescending  to  follow  a  servant  to  his  room,  and 
he  went  below. 

"With  a  whispered  word  to  his  companions  to  leave  their  effects 
'vith  him,  and  depart,  the  kind  hearted  Jacob  waited  upon  his 
,naster,  though  he  will  not  call  him  such;  and  there  was  persuad 
ed  to  remain  a  short  time  as  mentioned  above. 

Mrs.  Burns  told  the  good  man  that  she  would  see  that  every 
rent  of  their  wages  was  paid  to  them,  and  then  with  his  assist 
ance  loaded  the  wagon  with  the  trunks,  and  took  her  leave  of  the 
place  where  she  had  passed  nearly  twenty  years. 

Saturday,  November  18th. 

We  have  heard  nothing  from  the  proprietor  of  Lee  Hall,  ex 
cept  the  fact  from  Jacob,  that  Mr.  Colby  has  completely  domesti 
cated  himself  in  the  family ;  and  the  new  servants  brought  from 
the  city,  have  all  given  notice  of  their  intention  to  leave.  Two 
of  the  girls  ^vere  indignant  at  their  employer  on  account  of  his 
insulting  familiarity. 

Jacob  says  the  house  is  seldom  quiet  until  long  after  midnight ; 
and  that  alarmed  by  the  uproarious  noise  in  the  parlors,  he  has 
sometimes  ventured  below  and  heard  violent  altercations  between 
Joseph  and  the  lawyer.  But  the  next  morning,  when  they  had 
slept  off  the  effects  of  their  wine,  they  appeared  as  friendly  as 
ever. 

Sister  Emily  went  with  Allen  and  Lucy  to-day  to  look  at  a  pretty 
cottage,  with  a  view  to  house-keeping.  The  distance  from  Allen's 
business  was  the  only  objection,  as  they  do  not  intend  to  keep  a 
carriage.  The  bride  has  not  yet  recovered  from  the  effects  of 
the  excitement  and  sorrow  through  which  she  has  passed.  We  all 


228  CORA   AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

think  the  novelty  of  furnishing  her  house  will  occupy  her  attention 
and  be  of  use  to  her. 

Thursday,  November  23d. 

After  breakfast  this  morning  Frank  showed  me  the  following 
notice  in  the  Crawford  Advertiser. 

"PROBATE  COURT  NOTICE." 

"At  a  court  of  Probate  held  in  the  town  of  Crawford,  county  of 

,  and  commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  November  22d,  1837, 

whereas  there  and  then  appeared  Joseph  Lee,  gentleman,  to  set 
up  what  he  claimed  to  be  the  last  will  and  testament  of  one 
Joseph  Lee,  deceased,  and  whereas  objections  were  filed  with  this 
court  by  his  brother-in-law,  Allen  Mansfield,  against  this  instru 
ment  from  a  belief  that  it  was  not  the  last  will  and  testament  of 
the  testator,  therefore  notice  is  hereby  given  to  all  parties  and 
persons  interested  to  appear  before  me  at  10  o'clock,  A.  M., 
Thursday,  the  30th  of  this  month,  and  show  cause  if  any  there  be, 
why  said  will  should  not  be  set  up  and  executed. 

,  Judge  of  Prolate. 

November  22d." 

Monday,  November  27th. 

The  Doctor  was  notified  to-day  to  appear  before  the  Probate 
Court  as  a  witness  for  Allen  Mansfield  against  Joseph  Lee.  His 
sympathies  are  of  course  with  Lucy  and  Allen,  and  he  will  testify 
to  what  he  is  sure  were  the  intentions  of  the  father.  But  he  feels 
quite  confident  that  there  is  no  legal  testimony  in  the  case,  suffi 
cient  to  prove  that  he  ever  did  make  a  will  according  to  his 
intentions.  It  appears  extremely  improbable  that  if  such  a 
document  had  been  in  existence  previous  to  the  marriage  of  his 
daughter,  that  he  should  not  have  mentioned  the  fact  to  Allen. 
But  he  only  said,  "  You  will  not  have  a  portionless  bride."  That 
such  a  document  did  not  then  exist  is  almost  certain  from  the  fact 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN  S    WIFE. 


229 


it  could  not  have  been  made  without  the  knowledge  of  some  one 
in  the  house,  since  though  the  old  gentleman  was  perhaps  capable 
oi  drawing  up  a  legal  document,  and  had  the  perfect  use  of  his 
ri  ;ht  hand,  yet  such  document  being  drawn  up,  would  not  be 
admitted  in  court  without  witnesses. 

Then  if  executed  the  day  after  the  marriage  took  place  as 
w;  .s  at  first  hoped,  where  is  it  ?  What  motive  could  there  be  for 
co  icealing  it?  and  for  allowing  one  of  former  date  to  be  presented 
an  1  set  up  ? 

Friday,  December  1st. 

Yesterday  the  Doctor  attended  the  Probate  Court.  Mr.  "Willard 
appeared  for  Allen  Mansfield.  After  the  will  had  been  read, 
and  proved  by  the  witnesses,  to  be  both  genuine  and  authentic, 
Mi'.  Willard  asked  leave  to  call  for  the  witnesses  to  the  deed  of 
gift:  to  widow  Churchill ;  and  endeavored  in  vain  to  prove  by 
them  that  a  subsequent  will  had  been  made. 

One  of  the  witnesses  to  the  latter  instrument  was  not  living, 
being  the  young  man  who  was  so  suddenly  killed.  The  other 
testified  that  no  farther  business,  except  signing  the  deed  was 
tra^acted  in  his  presence. 

Lawyer  Colby  corroborated  this  testimony,  while  Joseph  Lee 
after  being  sworn,  testified  that  although  Mr.  Willard's  statements 
mig'it  be  true -as  to  his  father's  intention  to  make  a  second  will, 
he  had  yet  to  learn  that  such  a  will  had  actually  been  made. 

For  want  of  proof  of  the  existence  of  a  second  will,  the  one 
then  before  the  court  was  set  up  and  Joseph  Lee  duly  appointed 
executor  upon  his  deceased  father's  estate. 


CHAPTER    XXV. 

"  How  may  the  mother's  heart 
Dwell  on  her  son,  and  dare  to  hope  again  ? 
The  Spring's  rich  promise  hath  been  given  in  vain, 

The  lovely  must  depart ! 
Is  he  not  gone,  our  brightest  and  our  best  ? 
Come  near !  and  bear  the  early-called  to  rest !    - 

"  Ye  weep,  and  it  is  well! 
For  tears  befit  earth's  partings !    Yesterday 
Song  was  upon  the  lips  of  this  pale  clay, 

And  sunshine  seemed  to  dwell 
Where'er  he  moved  —  the  welcome  and  the  blessed! 
Now  gaze  and  bear  the  silent  unto  rest!  "        MRS,  HKMANS. 

Friday,  March  IGth,  1838. 

Mr  dearly  loved  mother,  —  With  a  heart  borne  down  with 
sorrow,  I  take  my  pen  to  communicate  the  sad  intelligence  which 
even  as  I  write  my  heart  refuses  to  believe.  My  sweet  little 
Walter,  my  first-born  son ;  your  only  grandchild,  is,  alas !  no 
more  on  earth ! 

Evening. 

I  could  go  no  farther  this  morning ;  the  dreadful  reality  over 
whelmed  me  ;  and  I  could  only  weep  afresh.  My  dear,  doubly 
dear  husband  came  and  wept  with  me.  Then  he  took  that 
precious  book  which  contains  so  many  words  of  comfort  to  poor 
broken  hearts,  and  read  passage  after  passage.  We  knelt 
together,  and  told  Jesus  all  our  sorrow  and  grief  at  the  loss  of  our 
darling ;  that  our  hearts  were  like  to  burst  that  we  should  see 


REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  231 

hi-  face  no  more,  —  no  more  hear  his  merry  laugh,  or  his  shout 
of  delight.  And  Jesus,  our  elder  brother,  seemed  to  stand  by  us, 
an  1  weep  with  us  as  he  did  with  Mary  and  Martha  of  olden 
time.  But  at  length  he  pointed  to  the  beautiful  azure  sky  above, 
w]  ile  his  tender  notes  fell  like  low  sweet  music  upon  our  ears, 
hu  -hing  into  peace  the  waves  of  sorrow  which  were  roaring  and 
da  ihing  over  us.  "  Beyond  those  bright  aerial  regions  is  the 
throne  of  the  eternal.  Before  him  are  a  multitude  whom  no  man 
cau  number,  of  little  ones  who  were  early  transplanted  from  this 
cold  and  sinful  earth  to  the  pure  air  of  heaven.  "While  sinful 
na  .ions  in  affright  hide  their  faces  from  the  searching  glance  of 
him  who  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  yet  upon  these  little  ones  he 
lift  s  the  light  of  his  countenance,  and  bestows  his  constant  smiles. 
Your  child  washed  in  my  blood,  purified  and  sanctified  by  my 
spirit,  is  among  them  swelling  with  his  infant  voice  the  choir  who 
aro  ever  singing,  '  worthythe  lamb  that  was  slain  for  our  sins.'" 

Those  gracious  words  from  our  sympathizing  Saviour,  soothed 
our  grief,  and  were  balm  to  our  wounded  hearts.  When  we  arose 
from  our  knees,  we  felt  a  new  attraction  to  our  home  beyond  the 
skies.  We  were  the  parents  of  an  angel. 

Saturday,  March  17th. 

I  feel  a  painful  pleasure  in  thinking  over  every  circumstance 
connected  with  the  sickness  and  death  of  my  sweet  child.  While 
I  write,  my  little  Pauline,  who  has  wept  herself  sick  at  the  loss 
of  her  dear  brother,  is  sitting  on  a  cricket  at  my  feet  with  her 
hea<l  resting  in  my  lap.  She  is  trying  to  restrain  the  sobs  which 
ever  and  anon  burst  out  afresh,  from  her  tender,  affectionate 
heart. 

'-  Mamma,"  says  the  trembling  voice,  "  will  you  please  tell  me 
more,  about  that  happy  place  where  my  brother  has  gone  ?  Is  he 
playing  on  his  harp  now?"  I  have  quieted  her  by  the  promise 
that  when  I  have  written  a  letter  to  her  grandmamma  in  England, 
I  will  read  it  to  her. 


232  CORA  AXD  THE  DOCTOR; 

On  Thursday,  the  eighth  of  this  month,  our  beautiful  boy  ap 
peared  perfectly  well.  The  weather,  which  had  been  very  windy 
and  bleak,  was  unusually  rnild,  and  the  children  could  hardly 
contain  their  joy  at  being  able  to  be  out  of  doors.  Walter  was 
warmly  clad  and  placed  in  his  wagon,  while  Pauline  was  only  too 
happy  in  helping  Ann  to  draw  him  round  the  garden.  About 
ten  o'clock  the  sun  was  so  warm  that  the  Avalks  became  damp 
from  the  melting  of  the  frost,  and  I  called  them  in.  Walter  was 
put  into  his  crib  for  his  nap,  which  was  undisturbed.  When  he 
awoke  I  gazed  at  him  with  pride.  His  eyes  were  perfectly  bril 
liant  with  beauty,  his  lips  were  red  as  coral  and  his  cheeks  rivalled 
the  blush  of  the  rose.  As  I  held  him  in  my  arms  and  pushed 
back  the  curls  from  his  broad,  noble  brow,  so  like  his  father's,  my 
heart  said,  "  what  a  beautiful  boy,  and  he  is  my  own."  I  was 
astonished  to  find  him  so  ready  to  sit  quietly  in  my  lap  while 
Pauline,  by  every  art  of  which  she  was  capable,  was  trying  to 
decoy  him  away.  He  laughed  aloud  at  her  antics  as  she  danced 
about  the  room,  hiding  behind  the  door,  and  then  with  a  merry 
shout  bursting  out  upon  him ;  but  when  she  said  "  brother,  hide 
now,"  he  would  Jay  his  head  on  my  breast,  and  lisp,  "  tay  with 
mamma."  He  sat  thus  nearly  an  houi*,  which  was  so  unusual 
that  I  began  to  feel  a  little  alarm.  Frank  laughed  at  me  for 
indulging  such  a  feeling,  merely  because  he  was  quiet ;  and  cer 
tainly  one  could  hardly  realize  danger  as  they  looked  upon  his 
face,  which  was  the  very  picture  of  health  and  beauty. 

After  dinner  Ann  brought  him  to  me  in  her  arms,  saying  "  he 
wants  to  lie  quiet,  and  will  not  eat  his  bread  and  milk."  Frank 
then  felt  his  pulse,  and  said  it  was  too  quick.  He  gave  me  a 
powder  for- Walter  to  take  if  he  was  no  better  ;  but  in  the  course 
of  the  afternoon,  he  slid  from  my  lap,  and  played  an  hour  or  two 
with  his  sister.  He  was  not  as  boisterous  as  usual,  and  seemed 
disposed  to  yield  in  everything  to  Pauline's  wishes. 

When  I  was  putting  him  into  bed  she  said  several  times, "  Is  n't 
brother  a  nice  boy,  mamma  ? " 


OK,  REVELATIONS    OP  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  233 

When  my  husband  came  home,  he  went  directly  to  the  crib, 
and  found  him  in  a  gentle  perspiration,  but  still  with  a  feverish 
mlse.  I  told  him  I  had  bathed  his  feet  in  warm  water,  which  he 
approved,  but  thought  it  best  to  give  the  powder.  When  I  retired 
lie  appeared  no  worse,  and  feeling  more  easy  about  him,  I  soon 
ijll  asleep. 

I  was  awakened  by  a  loud,  shrill  noise  from  the  crib,  such  as  I 
Lad  never  before  heard.  With  one  bound  I  was  at  his  side, 
f-creaming  "  Frank,  Oh,  Frank!  what  can  that  noise  be ? " 

Alas,  no  Frank  answered  !  He  had  been  called  away.  Whether 
]  had  forgotten  it  or  never  knew  it  until  that  moment  I  cannot 
tall.  But  another  sound  came,  more  horrible  than  the  first.  I 
run  to  Ann's  room  and  told  her  to  ring  for  Caesar  and  Phebe. 
Then  I  flew  back  to  my  boy,  my  darling  boy.  He  seemed  to  be 
suffocated.  I  caught  him  in  my  arms,  and  tossed  him  to  catch  his 
treath.  Oh  !  how  frightened  he  looked.  Soon  Ann  and  all  came 
rushing  into  the  room. 

"  Oh,  Caesar  ! "  I  cried,  "  where  is  your  master  ?  " 

Without  another  word  he  went  in  search  of  him.  Ann  ran 
for  mother  and  sister,  while  Phebe  hurried  to  the  kitchen,  and 
brought  some  oliv-e  oil  which  she  succeeded  in  pouring  down  his 
throat. 

"  Don't  be  scare  missus,  it 's  de  croup.  Mass'r  Frank  cures 
heaps  o'  chilen  sick  wid  it.  Ole  Phebe  knows  God  not  send  for 
dis  chile  yet." 

I  wrung  my  hands.  Before  Caesar  could  have  had  time  to 
harness  I  began  to  expect  him  back.  «, 

Mother  soon  came  in  and  took  my  boy  from  me,  telling  me  to 
dress.  1  forgot  that  I  had  only  thrown  on  a  wrapper.  Mother 
was  so  calm  I  began  to  hope  it  was  not  so  bad  as  I  feared.  She 
had  already  sent  Phebe  for  hot  water ;  telling  Emily  to  go  to  the 
medicine  chest,  and  procure  a  bottle  of  antimonial  wine.  This 
she  gave  at  once,  and  with  his  little  feet  and  limbs  in  very  warm 
water,  while  he  was  wrapped  in  blankets,  he  appeared  better. 

20* 


234  CORA  AND   THE  DOCTOR; 

But  he  looked  at  me  with  such  an  imploring  expression  as  he 
said  "  mamma,"  that  the  tone  stirred  the  deepest  fountains  of  my 
heart. 

"  Oh,  my  darling ! "  I  cried,  "  mamma  would  help  you  if  she 
could ! "  Oh,  how  the  little  breast  heaved ;  and  he  grew  worse 
again,  —  every  minute  he  grew  worse.  Mother  said  not  a  word, 
but  kept  administering  to  him. 

"  Where  can  Caesar  be  ?  "  she  said  at  length,  and  I  knew  from 
her  looks  she  feared  the  worst. 

Then  I  heard  a  horse  come  dashing  up  to  the  door,  and  Frank 
almost  flew  into  the  room. 

"Thank  God!"  was  all  that  mother  could  say.  The  poor 
father  knelt  before  his  boy.  His  mother  told  him  in  a  word  what 
she  had  done.  Oh !  the  look  of  indescribable  agony  that  passed 
over  his  face  as  he  found  he  was  too  late  ! 

Our  boy  was  dying  ! 

Frank  would  not  give  up  even  then,  but  said  "while  there  is 
life  there  is  hope."  But  the  breast  heaved  more  feebly  —  the 
shrill  sound  gradually  ceas,ed  —  until  lying  in  the  arms  of  his 
grandmother,  with  his  father  and  mother  kneeling  before  him  — 
his  precious  hand  encircling  my  finger,  he  gave  one  last,  linger 
ing  look  at  each  of  the  group  standing  around  him,  and  without 
a  struggle  or  a  sigh  —  only  a  slight  shudder,  he  fell  sweetly 
asleep. 

After  a  few  moments,  so  calm,  so  untroubled  was  that  beauti 
ful  brow,  so  sweetly  smiled  those  ruby  lips,  that  as  I  gazed,  I 
could  not  bglieve  the  spirit  had  fled.  I  could  hardly  refrain  from 
catching  him  in  my  arms. 

"  Walter !  oh,  Walter  !  !  "  I  cried,  "  can't  you  speak  once  more 
to  poor  mamma?"  I  passionately  kissed  his  brow,  his  eyes,  his 
beautiful  lips  !  —  oh,  how  proud  I  had  been  of  those  pouting,  red 
lips ;  but  they  would  never  speak  again. 

I  felt  a  strong  ann  put  around  me,  and  a  kind  voice  told  me  I 
must  not  stay.  My  dear  husband  led  me  to  the  library,  while 


OE,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  235 

mother,  with  Emily  and  Ann,  performed  the  last  offices  for  the 
dearly  loved  one. 

"  Oh,  Frank ! "  said  I,  "  why,  why  were  you  gone  ?  " 

He  hid  his  face  in  his  hands,  and  his  bosom  heaved  convul- 
.  ively.  It  is  dreadful  to  see  a  man  weep.  I  put  my  arms  around 
uis  neck,  and  we  wept  long  and  bitterly.  It  was  so  sudden,  the 
Mow  staggered  me.  It  was  now  morning.  Only  yesterday  morn- 
nig,  and  my  Walter  was  well;  now,  where  is  he? 

I  started.     "  Oh !  what  will  Pauline  say  ?  " 

Frank  went  softly  up  stairs,  and  found  her  quietly  sleeping, 
and  he  did  not  awake  her.  How  I  dreaded  her  awaking ! 
When  I  looked  up,  as  Frank  came  into  the  room,  I  was  shocked 
at  the  pallor  of  his  countenance  ;  his  lips  were  closely  shut,  and  I 
•started  to  my  feet,  almost  fearing  he  were  about  to  fall.  He 
pressed  me  tightly  in  his  arms  for  a  moment,  and  then  we  silently 
lifted  up  our  hearts  to  God  for  strength  to  say,  "  Thy  will  be  done." 

After  this,  I  was,  myself,  astonished  at  the  calmness  which 
^tole  over  me.  I  went  to  my  chamber,  though  he  would  have 
detained  me  ;  and  there  I  saw  my  little  one  more  beautiful  than 
ever.  The  impress  of  heaven  was  upon  his  brow  ! 

By  his  side  stood  Pauline  in  her  night  dress  ;  her  long  curls 
hanging  carelessly  down  her  back,  her  eyes  distended,  her  lips 
parted  as  if  to  speak.  With  one  hand  she  touched  the  little  fin 
gers  laid  together  upon  the  breast,  then  started  back,  awed  by  the 
marble  coldness.  I  sprang  toward  her  and  caught  her  in  my 
arms.  So  quietly  had  she  stepped  from  her  low  bed  in  the  ad 
joining  room,  and  come  to  see  if  her  brother  was  awake,  that 
mother  and  sister  who  sat  weeping  at  the  farther  end  of  the  apart 
ment,  had  not  noticed  her  until  I  entered. 

"  Mamma,"  asked  the  frightened  voice,  "  what  is  the  matter 
with  my  brother?  his  hands  are  very  cold." 

I  put  a  shawl  around  her,  sat  down  with  her  in  my  lap,  and 
bogan  to  tell  her,  but  burst  into  tears.  She  heard  sobbing,  and 
looked  from  one  to  another  frightened,  and  wondering. 


236  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

Emily  came  and  tried  to  tell  her  that  her  dear  little  brother 
had  gone  to  God. 

She  pointed  to  the  crib,  as  if  to  say  he  was  there. 

Emily  said,  "  his  soul  has  gone  to  God." 

"  And  has  papa's  soul  gone  too  ? "  she  asked  quickly,  "  my 
brother  couldn't  go  alone ;  he  was  too  little." 

Oh,  how  my  tears  burst  forth  afresh ! 

"  Pauline,"  said  Emily,  "  the  angels  came  from  heaven  to  take 
dear  little  Walter's  soul  up  to  God.  Jesus  wanted  him  there." 

"  How  long  will  he  have  to  stay  there  ?  " 

"  Oh,  Pauline ! "  I  exclaimed,  "  he  will  never,  never  come  back, 
we  shall  never  see  him  again." 

The  poor  stricken  child  sobbed  aloud.  Mother  took  her  from 
me.  "  Go  to  Frank,"  she  whispered,  "  and  I  will  try  to  soothe 
her." 

I  went  below,  and  softly  entered  the  library,  where  my  dear 
husband  knelt  by  the  sofa,  with  his  face  buried  in  his  hands.  I 
went  gently  to  his  side,  when  he  put  his  arm  around  me.  I 
whispered,  ':  pray  for  me  too."  And  in  a  broken  voice,  inter 
rupted  by  convulsive  sobs,  he  did  pray  that  we  might  not  mur 
mur  at  this  stroke  of  our  father's  rod. 

After  a  while,  I  heard  a  gentle  knock  at  the  door,  and  Cossar's 
voice  asking  if  mass'r  Frank  would  please  eat  some  breakfast. 
When  he  saw  me,  the  poor  man  cried  aloud.  Oh !  what  an  idol 
he  had  made  of  his  young  master !  His  large  faithful  heart  was 
swelling  with  grief,  which  he  had  in  vain  tried  to  control.  I  gave 
him  my  hand,  and  found  a  world  of  comfort  in  his  sympathizing 
tears. 

"  Oh,  missus  Lenox !  "  said  he  sobbing,  "  I  'spects  'twas  God's 
will." 

"  Yes,  Cresar,  but  it's  hard  for  my  poor  heart  to  say  '  Thy  will 
be  done.'  You  must  pray  for  me,  Czesar." 

"  Oh,  missus  !  "  said  he,  "  we'se  all  got  to  pray  for  dat." 

I  left  Frank  walking  the  room,  and  went  up  stairs  where  mother 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  237 

nras  dressing  Pauline.  Ann  I  found  sitting  on  a  trunk  in  her 
chamber,  with  her  head  upon  the  bed,  weeping  bitterly. 

"My  good  Ann,"  I  said,  "will  you  come  in  and  stay  by  the 
t  ide  of  the  crib  while  we  are  below  ?  "  I  tried  to  compose  myself, 
but  broke  down  again. 

"  I  can't,  oh,  I  can't ! "  she  cried,  "  don't  ask  me.  I  can't  see 
him  yet."  Finding  her  in  such  a  condition,  I  left  her,  and  beg 
ged  mother  to  allow  me  to  remain  with  my  boy;  but  she  said,  it 
'vas  my  duty  to  go  below  to  my  husband.  It  was  in  vain  for  us 
lo  try  to  eat.  Pauline  sobbed  so  violently,  that  her  father  was 
obliged  to  hold  her  in  his  arms  to  soothe  her.  I  severely  blamed 
myself  for  saying  what  I  said  to  the  sensitive  child. 

"  My  little  daughter,"  said  Frank  in  a  most  touching  tone, 
'•  when  you  say  your  prayers,  do  not  you  ask  God  to  make  you  a 
good  child,  so  that  you  can  go  to  heaven  ?  And  then  you  prayed 
God  last  night  to  make  your  little  brother  good,  so  that  he  could 
go ;  did  you  not  ask  this  ?  " 

She  could  hardly  speak,  but  she  sobbed  out,  "  I  didn't  ask  God 
to  take  him  so  soon,  I  wanted  us  to  go  together." 

Her  father  could  but  press  her  to  his  heart.  How  often  had 
•we  prayed  that  they  might  be  fitted  for  heaven ;  but  alas !  had 
not  dreamed  of  such  a  sudden  separation. 

Tuesday,  March  20th. 

Our  little  one  lies  buried  in  a  shady  knoll  at  the  end  of  the  gar 
den,  and  there,  when  I  have  done  with  time,  I  hope  to  be  laid 
beside  him.  Many  times  in  the  day  do  we  bend  our  steps  to  the 
quiet  retreat,  and  weep  over  the  little  grave.  Pauline  weeps  less, 
and  by  the  deep  spiritual  light  in  her  eyes,  I  think  she  begins  to 
understand  something  of  the  glory  and  purity  of  that  world  where 
her  beloved  brother  has  gone. 

Our  good  friends  Cresar,  Phebe,  Ann,  and  Euth,  have  shared 
so  truly  in  our  grief,  that  I  feel  as  if  they  were  related  to  us. 


•  238  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

Poor  Am?  is  almost  unfitted  for  everything.  Whenever  she  sees 
his  clothes  or  toys  she  weeps  afresh. 

With  regard  to  myself,  I  feel  at  times  a  submission  to  the  di 
vine  will,  and  even  can  realize  the  blessedness  of  my  child  in  being 
with  his  Saviour,  freed  from  sin  and  temptation  to  do  evil ;  and 
then  I  am  calm.  But  the  merest  trifle  unnerves  me.  I  have  not 
had  the  heart  to  put  away  his  clothes,  and  his  little  cap  and 
cloak  have  hung  in  the  hall  as  heretofore.  A  day  or  two  since,  I 
missed  the  cap  from  the  hook,  and  going  into  the  library  I  found 
my  dear  husband  in  an  agony  of  grief  over  it.  I  was  thankful 
that  I  was  now  able  to  be  the  comforter. 

Thursday,  June  7th. 

I  suppose  ere  this  you  have  received  the  sad  intelligence  in  my 
last,  together  with  one  of  later  date  from  Frank. 

I  have  but  just  arrived  at  home  from  a  journey  to  B and 

some  other  places.  I  was  exceedingly  unwilling  to  leave  my 
husband,  whose  duty  detained  him  at  home.  But  both  on  my 
own  account  and  Pauline's,  he  thought  it  best  to  change  the  scene. 

If  it  were  not  for  the  night,  I  could  control  my  feelings ;  but  I 
dream  of  my  boy,  and  awake  to  find  myself  childless.  Often  he 
seems  to  stand  by  me  or  float  before  me  in  the  air,  and  that 
dreadful,  agonized  "  mamma  "  he  uttered,  rings  in  my  ears,  and 
awakes  me  in  affright. 

Of  late,  however,  I  have  been  less  disturbed,  and  my  dreams 
of  him  are  delightful.  Frank  is  unwilling  to  have  me  dwell  so 
much  upon  my  sorrow,  and  when  I  see  him,  though  pale  and 
suffering,  going  on  quietly  with  his  round  of  duties,  I  feel  re 
proved. 

I  commenced  writing  of  our  journey.  We  went  directly  to 

B after  receiving  a  very  kind  invitation  from  uncle  and  aunt 

Morgan.  Mother  came  over  to  the  house  to  be  with  her  son,  and 
Emily  accompanied  me.  Our  journey  was  shorter  than  the  for- 


OK,  REVELATIONS    OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  239 

mcr  one,  being  all  the  way  by  railroad.  We  found  our  thoughtful 
cousin  waiting  for  us  at  the  station.  The  sight  of  his  smiling  face 
brought  my  little  Walter  so  forcibly  to  mind,  that  I  was  complete 
ly  overcome.  Poor  fellow  !  he  was  much  distressed,  and  tried  to 
soothe  me.  Pauline  was  delighted  to  see  him,  and  put  her  hand 
in  his,  as  confidingly  as  of  old. 

Uncle  and  aunt  received  us  with  parental  tenderness.  I  was 
glad  to  hear  from  them  so  good  an  account  of  their  son.  •  lie  has 

gone  into  business  in  B ,  and  bids  fair  not  only  to  be  a 

wealthy,  but  a  useful  man.  He  went  unknown  to  his  parents  and 
collected  a  Sabbath-school  in  the  outskirts  of  the  town,  and  in 
a  place  where  the  inhabitants  had  heretofore  been  regarded  as  too 
al  andoned  to  be  reclaimed.  Here  for  a  year  past  he  has  spent 
all  the  time  he  could  command  from  other  duties,  during  the  week, 
as  well  as  on  the  Sabbath,  and  now  it  is  called  the  "  Morgan 
parish." 

Many  who  have  known  Joseph  from  babyhood,  shook  their 
heads  when  he  commenced  this  labor  of  love ;  and  thought,  he 
only  intended  it  for  a  new  frolic,  —  that  the  novelty  would  soon 
tpass  away,  and  he  would  tire  of  the  confinement.  But  as  they 
see  him  more  and  more  interested  in  his  school,  comprising  now 
not  only  children,  but  parents,  they  feel  a  great  respect  for  the 
young  man. 

I  am  quite  amused  at  the  way  he  treats  Pauline,  a  little  maiden 
of  five  years.  He  never  plays  with  her,  as  it  would  be  natural 
for  him  to  do  with  a  child  of  her  age,  but  appears  to  regard  her 
as  something  sacred ;  and  is  as  delicate  in  his  attentions  as  if  she 
had  numbered  four  times  five  years. 

But  cousin  has  not  lost  his  character  for  fun.  He  would  not 
be  Joseph  if  he  had ;  but  he  is  very  careful  in  his  jokes  not  to 
wound  the  feelings  of  others.  Then  his  manner  of  treating  his 
parents  is  so  much  more  respectful  than  formerly.  Dear  uncle 
and  aunt !  With  what  pride  do  they  look  upon  his  fine  manly 
form  and  his  bright  happy  face.  Then  they  know  this  is  a  sure 


240  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

index  of  his  heart.  I  found  out  his  age  while  we  were  there, 
which  was  less  than  I  had  supposed.  But  I  will  keep  his  secret. 

After  a  delightful  visit  at  B we  returned  by  a  somewhat 

circuitous  route  to  visit  other  relatives,  to  whom  I  was  not  an 
entire  stranger,  having  met  them  at  mother's.  Pauline  was  very 
much  delighted  with  travelling,  and  Emily  took  pains  to  point  out 
to  her  every  object  of  interest. 

I  must  not  omit  to  mention  a  circumstance  which  occurred  be 
fore  we  left  B .  Joseph  was  reading  various  items  from  a 

New  York  paper  while  we  sat  around  the  breakfast  table  to  which 
we  all  listened  with  interest,  when  he  came  upon  the  following. 
"  We  learn  that  the  Honorable  Mr.  Karswell,  and  family,  of  the 
firm  of  C.  M.  Karswell  and  brothers,  are  about  to  leave  by  the 
packet  ship  Cambria  for  Liverpool,  where  he  is  to  meet  his  son, 
who  has  been  travelling  for  a  number  of  years  in  company  with 
a  distinguished  clergyman,  formerly  settled  in  Waverley,  Massa 
chusetts,  when  they  intend  to  make  the  tour  of  Europe  and  to 
visit  the  Holy  Land.  Mr.  Karswell  considers  himself  very 
fortunate  in  having  been  able  to  avail  himself  of  the  company 
of  Mr.  Benson  in  their  travels ;  he  being  familiar  with  the  Ian-, 
guages  of  the  countries  through  which  they  pass  ;  and  every  way 
a  great  acquisition." 

I  could  not  tell  how  Emily  looked,  for  I  took  particular  pains  to 
be  occupied  with  Pauline,  but  I  am  sure  my  own  face  burned. 

"  Well,"  said  uncle,  "  pass  on  to  the  next,"  little  aware  what 
an  interest  that  small  item  had  to  some  of  the  hearers.  Emily 
soon  made  an  excuse  to  leave  the  room,  and  I  thought  it  best  not 
to  revert  to  the  subject.  In  the  course  of  the  day  I  looked  over  the 
paper  to  see  if  any  part  of  this  communication  had  been  omitted 
in  the  reading  ;  when  to  my  astonishment  it  was  nicely  cut  out. 

Aunt  looked  up  at  my  expression  of  surprise  and  said,  "  0 ! 
Emily  asked  if  we  had  done  with  the  paper,  she  wanted  to  cut 
out  a  pattern  of  something."  I  had  my  own  thoughts,  but  of 
course  said  nothing,  and  so  the  subject  passed.  I  may  as  well 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  241 

sa}  here  that  on  my  return,  I  asked  Frank  what  family  Mr 
K;  rswell  had,  and  learned  that  there  were  two  accomplished 
daughters.  He  has  been  a  widower  many  years,  and  the  eldest 
dai  ighter  has  kept  house  for  him.  The  younger  one,  Gertrude, 
Fr  ink  says,  gave  promise  of  great  beauty. 

?rank  was  a  little  troubled  about  the  cutting  out  of  that 
"  p  Utern  "  from  the  paper,  especially  as  Emily  did  it  so  secretly. 
"  If  she  loves  him  yet,"  said  he, "  she  has  had  a  severe  punishment 
for  her  proud  dissimulation." 

On  our  return  from  New  York,  and  when  we  were  within 
thirty  miles  of  home,  the  cars  were  full,  and  Emily  was  separated 
from  us  by  two  seats,  Pauline  and  I  being  together.     A  gentleman 
iwho  was  a  stranger  to  me  took  the  vacant  seat  by  sister.     He 
nnt£  very  much  browned,  as  if  he  had  come  from  a  foreign  clime, 
but  altogether  a  noble  specimen  of  man.     After  a  few  moments  I 
kvas  astonished  to  see  them  in  the  full  tide  of  conversation,  Emily 
being  more  interested  than  I  had  seen  her  for  many  a  day.     The 
burden  of  the  conversation  at  length  devolved  upon  her,  while 
lie  grew  more  and  more  taciturn,  until  I  saw  that  he  put  his  hand 
kerchief  to  his  eyes  and  was  much  overcome  by  what  she  said, 
he  turned  a  little  toward  her  companion,  I  saw  that  her  own 
pyes  were  humid  with  tears  ;  and  I  wondered  at  the  meaning  of 
[his  emotion.     Fortunately  for  my  curiosity,  we  soon  reached  a 
tation,  and  the  persons  sitting  in  front  of  us  left.     Emily  and  her 
ompanion  immediately  arose  and  availed  themselves  of  this  seat. 
I  was  not  a  little  surprised,  as  well  as  pleased,  when  Emily 
laid  to  me,  "  Do  you  remember,  Cora,  I  told  you  about  Edward 
[tylaud,  brother  to  your  little  Anna's  mother?" 
Yes,  perfectly." 

Well,  this  is  he,  just  returned  from  India.  He  has  not  heard 
j'om  his  sister  for  many  years.  I  have  been  giving  him  a  sketch 
I'  her  history." 

I  cordially  gave  him  my  hand,  which  he  grasped  so  warmly, 
at  1  did  not  recover  from  the  pressure  during  the  remainder  of 

21 


242  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

our  ride.  He  begged  for  all  the  news,  saying,  "  I  am  absolutely 
famished  for  intelligence  from  home  friends."  He  was  very  much 
affected  at  hearing  of  the  reformation  and  peaceful  death  of  Squire 
Lee  ;  and  shocked  though  not  much  astonished  at  the  conduct  of 
Joseph.  From  his  frequent  inquiries  concerning  families  in 
Waverley,  I  more  than  suspected  there  was  some  one  in  that  place 
whom  the  thought  of  meeting  thrilled  his  soul  with  the  sentiment, 

"  My  heart 's  so  full  of  joy, 
That  I  shall  do  some  wild  extravagance 
Of  love  in  public ;  and  the  foolish  world, 
Which  knows  not  tenderness,  will  think  me  mad." 

"We  were  so  much  engaged  in  talking  as  to  be  unaware  of  our 
near  approach  to  Crawford,  and  sprang  hastily  to  our  feet  as  the 
conductor  called  out  the  familiar  name.  Inviting  Mr.  Ryland  to 
make  us  an  early  call,  we  took  a  carriage  and  drove  home,  where 
we  had  no  reason  to  complain  of  our  reception.  I  went  into  the 
house  very  gently,  and  pushing  open  the  library  door,  I  saw  my 
own  dear  Frank  sitting,  reading  with  his  back  to  the  entrance. 
I  crept  softly  across  the  room,  and  put  my  arms  around  his  neck. 
He  sprang  to  his  feet  letting  his  book  fall,  and  caught  me  in  his 
arms. 

"  My  wife,  mine  own,  I  will  never  let  you  leave  me  again.  If 
you  go,  I  shall  follow.  I  am  good  for  nothing  without  you.— 

"  Thinkest  thott 

That  I  could  live,  and  let  thee  go, 
Who  art  my  life  itself?  —  no — no." 

"We  then  went  to  find  mother  and  all  the  dear  family.  I  had 
been  dreading  the  return  for  fear  my  grief  would  overpower  me ; 
but  I  was  graciously  supported.  Frank  was  very  kind,  and  kept 
us  busily  talking.  I  believe  Emily  told  every  circumstance  which 
had  happened  during  our  absence,  (which  I  omitted  I  mean)  ex- 


OK,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  2'43 

cept  the  one  unimportant  fact  of  her  bogging  arid  saving  as  a 
cl  >ice  article,  an  inch  of  waste  paper. 

Monday,  September  Wth. 

Allen  Mansfield  and  Lucy  are  very  pleasantly  settled  near  us. 
M  's.  Burns,  and  one  of  the  chambermaids  from  Lee  Hall  form 
their  establishment,  together  with  a  little  stranger  a  week  old, 
wl  o  has  already  received  the  name  of  Emily  Lenox.  Frank 
says,  Lucy  is  exceedingly  happy  and  grateful  for  the  sweet 
treasure. 

There  is  one  event  connected  with  this  family,  however,  which 
has  cast  a  gloom  over  the  whole  town,  at  least  the  sober  part  of 
it.  The  distillery,  which  was  closed  very  soon  after  Squire  Lee 
wa?  taken  sick,  has  been  started  again,  and  is  now  in  full  tide  of 
operation  under  the  energetic  management  of  an  agent  procured 
by  Joseph.  He  is  absent  and  Lee  Hall  is  closed.  Report  says, 
he  lias  gone  abroad  in  company  with  his  inseparable  companion, 
Mr.  Colby.  It  is  really  saddening  to  think  of  a  young  man  of 
good  talents,  as  Mr.  Colby  appeared  to  be,  so  entirely  led  away 
and  ruined  by  bad  company.  For  many  months  before  they  went 
away,  his  office  was  closed,  and  he  made  no  pretensions  to  business. 
He  had  his  home  entirely  with  Joseph,  if  home  it  could  be  called, 
where  there  was  drinking  and  fighting  both  in  the  parlors  and  in 
the  kitchen.  Many  times  the  man  who  professedly  kept  up  the 
establishment,  had  to  call  in  help  to  separate  Mr.  Colby  and 
Joseph.  When  drunk,  they  tried  to  kill  each  other;  but  when 
sober,  or  partly  so,  were  apparently  the  best  of  friends. 


CHAPTER    XXVI. 

"  LOVE !  — what  a  volume  in  a  -word,  an  ocean  in  a  tear!  " 

TUPPER. 

Wednesday,  June  10th,  1840. 

DEAREST  MOTHER,  —  It  is  a  week  since  sister  Nelly  sailed  for 
home.  I  am  so  lost  without  her,  that  I  have  determined  to  resume 
my  journal  which  has  been  interrupted  for  nearly  two  years. 

I  can  never  sufficiently  thank  you  for  sparing  her  to  me  so 
long.  I  sent  many  messages  by  her  which  I  could  not  find  time 
to  write.  If  you  are  as  much  interested  in  my  friends  as  she 
was,  she  will  give  you  the  latest  intelligence  from  them.  She 
would  not  be  contented  until  she  had  received  an  introduction  in 
person.  Many  of  them  exceedingly  regret  her  departure. 

The  family  of  Mrs.  Reynolds,  she  Kked  much,  though  she  could 
not  see  Anna,  as  she  was  adopted  by  her  uncle  Edward  soon  after 
his  marriage,  and  lives  in  New  York.  My  suspicions  were  very 
soon  confirmed  with  regard  to  him,  by  an  invitation  to  a  wedding 
at  his  sister's,  where  I  was  introduced  to  a  Miss  Grant,  who  in  a 
few  moments  became  Mrs.  Edward  Ryland. 

Miss  Grant  had  waited  patiently  for  her  lover  all  these  years ; 
with  a  woman's  true  heart  refusing  to  listen  for  a  moment  to  other 
proposals  of  marriage.  Even  her  own  parents  were  not  aware 
of  the  state  of  her  affections,  and  had  often  urged  her  to  give  a 
reason  for  not  wishing  to  settle  in  life.  All  the  reason  the  poor 
girl  could  give,  was  that  she  did  not  love  the  suitor.  But  her 
faithfulness  is  now  rewarded,  and  Mr.  Ryland  hastened  with  his 


REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIPE.  245 

bride  to  New  York  to  become  a  partner  in  the  firm  for  which  he 
went  to  India. 

Mrs.  Reynolds  was  very  unwilling  to  part  with  Anna,  more 
especially  on  account  of  her  husband's  health,  who  would,  she 
feared,  miss  the  lovely  child.  At  that  time  William  was  very 
feeble,  and  it  was  feared  that  his  exposures  in.  his  wanderings  from 
home  in  former  years  might  bring  on  consumption.  But  for  a 
year  past  he  has  enjoyed  perfect  health.  I  suppose,  Nelly  will 
tell  you  that  a  little  miss  has  come  to  take  Anna's  place, 
and  that  she  is  called  Cora  Lenox  Reynolds.  I  never  liked  the 
name  better  than  when  I  have  seen  the  little  creature  come  shyly 
up  to  me,  turning  her  head  one  side  and  the  other,  and  looking 
out  from  under  her  curls  to  take  something  I  had  carried ;  and 
heard  her  lisp  out  her  name,  "  Cowa  Lenox."  The  Doctor  makes 
a  great  pet  of  her,  and  is  so  much  delighted  with  her  name  that 
it  would  be  no  wonder  to  me,  if  by  and  by  there  should  be 
quite  a  regiment  of  Cora  Lenoxes  among  his  patients.  In  that 
case  I  should  find  it  cheaper  to  import  a  quantity  of  silver  cups 
than  to  purchase  them  here. 

I  have  no  doubt  much  as  Nelly  desired  to  see  the  dear  home 
friends,  that  long  ere  this  she  has  wished  herself  back  for  one 
more  frolic  with  her  little  namesake.  "When  I  say  to  the  darling, 
u  Baby  want  to  see  Aunt  Nelly  ?"  she  crows  and  screams  with 
di  light.  We  all  think  her  very  like  sister ;  the  same  deep  blue 
eyes,  and  fair  complexion,  so  different  from  her  beautiful  brother 
who  looked  far  more  like  a  Lenox.  I  sometimes  smile  as  strangers 

D 

notice  the  striking  resemblance  of  Pauline  to  her  father.     I  used 
to  fancy  the  same  thing  myself  when  she  was  a  baby. 

I  long  for  the  return  of  our  dear  friends  Allen  and  Lucy,  who 
took  sister  in  charge  as  far  as  New  York,  and  saw  her  safely  on 
board  ship.  They  enclosed  me  a  short  note  from  her,  with  her 
last  farewell  just  before  she  sailed.  Emily  says,  "it  seems  as  if 
half  Crawford  were  gone."  We  are  all  lonely  without  the  lively 
girl. 

21* 


246  CORA   AND    THE    DOCTOR; 

Miss  Nelly  calls  and  I  must  obey.  Frank  says,  I  am  not  half 
as  strict  with  her  as  I  was  with  Pauline  or  Walter ;  and  it  may 
be  true ;  I  feel  so  uncertain  of  her  life,  since  our  sweet  boy  was 
taken  away  so  suddenly. 

T/iursday,  June  ISth. 

Allen  and  Lucy  returned  yesterday,  and  we  all  went  in  to  spend 
the  evening  with  them.  Miss  Emily  Mansfield  was  allowed  to 
sit  up  to  welcome  her  mamma,  and  could  not  be  persuaded  to  leave 
her  for  a  moment.  Sister  is  very  proud  of  her  little  namesake. 

We  had  been  talking  of  sister  Nelly  and  other  topics  in  a  lively 
manner,  when  Lucy  suddenly 'started,  saying,  "Bye  the  bye, 
Emily,  who  do  you  think  we  saw  on  our  way  to  Philadelphia  ?  " 
and  without  waiting  for  a  reply,  "  Mr.  Benson,  who  used  to  be 
settled  in  Waverley.  I  thought  at  one  time  that  he  was  a  flame 
of  yours  ;  but  he  is  married  now ;  and  to  one  of  the  most  beauti 
ful  creatures  I  ever  saw.  She  was  leaning  on  his  arm  and  look 
ing  up  in  his  face  with  the  most  wife-like  fondness." 

Lucy  talked  so  rapidly,  and  was  so  rejoiced  to  be  the  first 
to  tell  the  news,  that  she  did  not  appear  to  notice  the  effect  it 
had  on  her  hearers.  If  I  had  done  anything,  I  should  have  burst 
out  crying.  I  had  woven  so  many  pretty  romances  about  his 
coming  home  faithful  to  sister,  and  all  that,  and  finding  out  she 
did  love  him. 

As  no  one  spoke,  Frank  paid  with  the  utmost  calmness,  "  he 
married  Miss  Karswell,  I  suppose,  sister  of  the  young  man  with 
whom  he  has  been  travelling." 

"  No,  not  sister,"  replied  Lucy, "  but  a  cousin,  who  accompanied 
his  sisters.  Our  informant  who  knew  the  family  well,  told  me 
that  Charles  was  not  altogether  pleased,  as  he  wished  to  marry  his 
cousin  himself.  She  is  a  Southerner ;  and  they  were  on  their 
way  td  the  south.  lie  is  so  much  altered  that  I  should  hardly 
have  known  him,  if  it  were  not  for  his  mouth  and  voice.  I  stood 
near  them  in  the  boat,  and  heard  him  say,  he  wished  her  parents 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  247 

were  to  meet  them  in  Philadelphia  instead  of  Charleston,  for  it 
•would  be  extremely  warm  there  at  this  season.  She  replied, 
'  it  shall  be  my  endeavor  to  make  it  so  delightful  to  you,  that  you 
will  forget  the  heat.' " 

"  Did  n't  you  speak  to  them  ?  "  I  asked,  recovering  my  voice. 

"  Yes,  but  it  was  just  as  we  were  leaving.  He  seemed  really 
annoyed  that  I  had  not  made  myself  known  at  once.  I  told  him 
I  was  not  sure  for  some  time  whether  it  were  really  he." 

" '  Am  I  then  so  much  altered  ? '  said  he  sadly ;  but  at  the  same 
time  a  beautiful  smile  played  for  one  instant  around  his  mouth, 
and  vanished." 

"  Then  you  were  not  introduced  to  his  lady  ?  " 

"  No,  though  she  kept  tight  hold  of  his  arm,  and  seemed  almost 
impatient  that  he  stopped  even  that  short  space.  Altogether  he 
was  the  most  distinguished  gentleman  on  board  the  boat,  always  ex 
cepting  my  own  husband,"  she  added,  with  a  merry  glance  at  him. 

When  the  conversation  turned  to  another  theme,  I  ventured  to 
look  at  Emily.  To  my  astonishment,  she  appeared  to  be  wholly 
engrossed  in  a  new  book,  she  had  taken  from  the  table  ;  but  on 
looking  a  moment  I  perceived  a  deadly  pallor  about  her  mouth ; 
and  suddenly  remembered  that  we  were  making  a  very  long  call 
upon  persons  just  returned. 

When  we  were  at  home,  I  merely  ran  to  take  a  peep  into  the 
nursery,  and  finding  all  quiet,  I  begged  Frank  to  excuse  me  for 
a  few  moments. 

"  Where  is  Emily  ?  "  I  asked  of  mother. 

"  She  went  to  her  room  to  lay  aside  her  bonnet." 

I  followed,  and  found  the  poor  girl  in  the  very  abandonment  of 
grief.  She  had  tossed  her  bonnet  into  a  chair,  and  was  kneeling 
by  the  bed,  with  her  arms  thrown  over  her  head,  which  was 
buried  in  the  pillow. 

I  knelt  by  her  side,  putting  my  arms  around  her.  "  Dear 
sister,"  I  said,  "  don't  weep  so.  Do  let  me  comfort  you."  But  I 
stopped ;  what  could  I  say  ? 


248  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

After  a  few  moments,  she  arose  and  sat  by  me.  "  Oh,  Emily ! " 
I  said,  "  if  you  look  so,  you  will  break  my  heart." 

"  I  believe,"  she  replied  in  a  mournful  tone,  putting  her  hand 
to  her  side,  "  that  mine  is  broken.  I  thought  I  had  schooled  my 
self  to  hear  this.  I  ought  to  have  expected  it ;  but  oh  !  I  have 
deceived  myself." 

I  was  never  more  embarrassed  for  words  to  express  sympathy, 
and  was  awkwardly  silent. 

"  Cora,"  said  she,  looking  at  me,  "there  is  no  human  being  but 
yourself  whom  I  would  allow  to  witness  my  "  —  she  hesitated, 
"my  grief  at  this  intelligence.  My  poor  mother  would  be. so 
pained,  if  she  knew  her  daughter  loved  another  woman's  husband." 
This  last  sentence  was  spoken  in  her  old  bitter  tone,  and  carried 
me  back  to  past  years.  "And  it  shall  not  be.  To-morrow  you 
will  see  me  the  same  as  ever.  Please,  dear  sister,"  she  added,  in 
a  softened  tone,  "  never  allude  to  my  grief.  It  will  soon  be  over." 

It  was  only  when  she  spoke  of  herself  that  her  voice  was  harsh 
and  severe.  I  looked  with  admiration  at  her  as  she  drew  up  her 
form,  and  revealed  the  Lenox  will,  Frank  sometimes  refers  to. 

Mother  looked  very  happy  as  her  daughter  came  in  smiling  and 
talking  of  Lucy's  improved  appearance  since  her  return.  My 
face  was  by  far  the  sadder  of  the  two.  I  have  never  been  able 
to  conceal  my  feelings.  "  Dear  mother,"  I  thought  as  I  bid  her 
good  night,  "  you  would  not  sleep  much  if  you  knew  what  an 
aching  heart  lay  beneath  that  smiling  face." 

Saturday,  June  20th. 

Caesar  carried  me  and  my  smaller  treasures  this  afternoon  to 
see  Aunt  Susy,  who  has  been  rather  failing  in  health  this  summer. 
Pauline  has  been  with  me  several  times,  and  is  always  delighted 
to  accompany  me  there.  But  now  I  was  going  to  introduce  my 
little  Nelly,  though  not  without  some  fears  that  the  squeezing  she 
would  get,  would  frighten  the  timid  little  thing.  Aunt  Susy  is  no 
longer  able  to  watch  at  the  door  to  see  who  goes  by ;  but  her 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  249 

heart  lias  not  grown  cold  while  sitting  in  her  easy  chair.  I  stepped 
into  the  entry  and  knocked  at  the  inner  door. 

"  Walk  right  in ! "  In  obedience  to  this  invitation,  I  opened 
the  door,  and  with  Nelly  in  my  arms,  went  up  to  the  old  lady. 
She  looked  over  her  glasses  for  a  moment  as  if  she  did  not  recog 
nize  me  with  my  haby,  and  before  she  could  say  anything,  I  laid 
the  little  miss  in  her  lap. 

"  Bless  its  little  soul,"  said  Aunt  Susy,  carefully  laying  aside 
her  knitting  where  the  needles  could  n't  hurt  the  child.  "  "Well 
Miss  Lenox,  if  that  don't  beat  all.  I  never  know  'd  you  'd  got 
another ; "  and  to  pay  for  being  kept  in  ignorance,  she  began  in 
good  earnest  to  squeeze  it  to  her  large  warm  heart.  The  buby 
crowed  with  delight,  and  as  oft  as  she  had  a  kiss,  would  give  a 
snatch  for  the  glasses.  All  this  time  Pauline  and  her  mother 
stood  by  unnoticed,  while  the  dear  child  had  her  little  red  lips 
mad6  up  for  a  kiss. 

"  Here,  Aunt  Susy,"  I  said, "  give  me  the  baby,  this  young  lady 
is  waiting  her  turn." 

The  good  woman  went  into  the  business  fundamentally,  and 
now  that  she  undertook  with  Pauline,  she  was  in  no  haste  to  get 
through.  When  they  stopped  to  take  breath  she  looked  in  Pau 
line's  face.  "  La !  it  beats  all  natur  how  she  grows  like  her  pa." 

The  dear  soul  had  forgotten  the  fact  which  interested  her  so 
much  years  ago,  and  really  supposed  the  child  to  be  our  own. 

"  There 's  —  what  do  you  call  her  ?  " 

"  Ellen,"  I  answered. 

"  There 's  Ellen  now,  looks  more  like  you,  while  Pauline  is 
clear  father.  I  '11  venture  he  sets  a  sight  by  her." 

Pauline  laughed,  though  she  did  n't  know  exactly  the  meaning 
of  the  latter  phrase. 

"  Blessed  little  soul,"  she  resumed  with  another  squeeze, "  what 
made  you  think  o'  that  ?  " 

"  Because,"  said  Pauline,  "  you  are  so  kind." 

I  looked  inquiringly  at  the  whisperer. 


250  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

K  La  !  "  said  Aunt  Susy  wiping  her  eyes,"  the  dear  little  cretur 
says  she  loves  me,  and  I  don't  know  what  it 's  for,  if  'taint  that  I 
loved  your  pa  long  enough  afore  you  was  born  ;  and  I  used  to  hold 
him  on  my  lap,  and  sing  <  Eide  a  jack  horse  to  Banbury  cross,' 
and  he  'd  laugh  as  hearty  as  the  baby  did  just  now." 

At  this  very  moment  Mrs.  Wilson  returned  from  the  garden, 
when  her  mother  called  out,  "  Darter,  did  you  ever  hear  tell  that 
Doctor  Frank  had  had  another  baby  ?  " 

"  Oh,  yes,  mother  ! "  she  answered,  shaking  hands  with  me, 
"  and  you  knew  it  too  at  the  time,  but  you  've  forgotten." 

"  Well,  p'r'aps  I  did,"  she  said  with  a  sigh,  "  my  memory  's 
grown  very  poor ;  but  I  haven't  forgotten  where  my  Saviour  is," 
she  added,  her  countenance  brightening,  "  nor  he  wont  forget  me  ; 
though  sometimes  I  'm  almost  tempted  to  fear  he  don't  altogether 
remember  how  long  I  've  been  expecting  he  'd  send  for  me  to  go 
home.  Every  morning  I  ask  him  if  it's  God's  will  to  take  me 
before  night ;  and  every  night  I  pray  to  go  before  the  sun  rises. 
But  he  knows  best,  and  I- try  not  to  feel  impatient  o'  waiting  for 
him." 

I  cannot  describe  the  holy  expression  of  the  dear  old  lady  as 
she  said  this. 

TJtursday,  June  25th. 

How  little  I  thought  when  I  wrote  the  last  sentence,  that  I 
should  never  more  feel  that  Avarm  embrace ;  never  meet  those 
eyes  beaming  with  love.  The  dear  blessed  woman  is  now  where 
she  so  longed  and  prayed  to  be.  Her  Saviour  had  not  forgotten 
her,  but  came  during  the  silent  watches  of  the  night  and  took  her 
home. 

So  silently  did  she  resign  her  spirit  to  her  beloved  Lord,  that 
not  even  her  daughter,  whose  room  joins  hers,  and  who  heard  her 
whispering  her  prayers  and  hymns  after  she  retired,  knew  aught 
of  the  solemn  visitor.  But  he  was  not  unexpected,  or  unwelcome 
to  the  sleeper.  She  was  so  impatient  to  answer  the  summons,  sho 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  251 

could  not  stop  to  bid  farewell  to  her  earthly  friends.  Her  Saviour 
called,  and  she  hastened  to  obey. 

In  the  morning  Mrs.  Wilson,  after  waiting  beyond  the  usual 
time,  stepped  softly  to  the  bed  side  of  her  mother.  Struck  dumb 
by  the  gloriously  joyous  expression,  she  went  back  to  the  sitting 
room  and  beckoned  her  husband  to  look  before  she  awoke  the 
sleeper,  then  leaning  forward,  said,  "  mother,  mother  !  " 

"  Oh !  wonder  not,  motherless  daughter,  that  she  is  deaf  to 
your  call.  Her  ears  are  listening  to  notes  of  heavenly  music 
which  ravish  her  soul.  Her  eyes  are  feasting  on  her  Saviour,  and 
she  is  satisfied,  now  that  she  beholds  his  face  in  glory !  " 

I  could  not  resist  the  wish  to  see  that  beautiful  countenance  once 
more  before  it  was  forever  buried  from  sight ;  and  my  dear  Frank 
went  with  me  to  the  chamber  of  death.  I  felt  very  sad  as  we 
approached  the  house ;  but  when  I  entered  the  room  where  I  had 
always  seen  her,  and  looked  beneath  the  linen  cloth  which 
covered  her  from  view,  I  could  not  weep.  I  felt  as  if  I  had 
caught  a  glimpse  of  heaven. 

"  Surely,"  said  I,  "  that  wonderful  smile  is  not  of  earth." 

"  Perhaps,"  said  Frank,  "  it  was  the  smile  of  welcome  to  the 
messenger  who  summoned  her  home.  Death  was  a  welcome 
guest  to  her." 

As  we  gazed  we  could  follow  her  rapt  spirit  to  the  mansions 
of  the  blessed,  and  behold  her  heart  ever  more  expanding  with 
love  to  her  Saviour  and  her  God. 

"  Thy  face 

Is  all  at  once  spread  over  with  a  calm 
More  beautiful  than  sleep,  or  mirth,  or  joy." 

Wednesday,  July  29th. 

"VVe  have  heard  that  there  are  great  preparations  making  in 
"VVaverley  for  the  welcome  of  their  former  pastor.  It  is  now 
more  than  a  year  since  Mr.  Tyler  left  them  for  another  field  of 
hibor  ;  and  when  the  parish  heard  that  Mr.  Benson  had  returned, 


252  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

they  gave  him  a  unanimous  call  to  resettle  with  them.  They 
have  not  received  a  regular  answer  to  their  call ;  but  only  that  he 
will  be  with  them,  providence  permitting,  the  second  Sabbath  in 
August.  They  seem  to  feel  sure,  however,  that  he  will  prefer  to 
settle  with  the  people  of  his  first  love.  And  they  are  ready  to 
offer  him  a  better  support  than  they  were  able  to  do  formerly. 
The  young  men  are  fitting  up  the  grounds  about  the  parsonage, 
and  the  whole  village  is  alive  with  interest.  I  can't  tell  whether 
to  be  glad  or  sorry.  Perhaps  if  Emily  were  to  see  him  often,  she 
would  the  sooner  conquer  any  remaining  interest  she  may  feel  for 
him. 

Since  that  first  night,  if  she  is  indulging  grief,  she  deceives  even 
me.  Indeed,  I  told  Frank  to-day,  after  she  left  the  room,  that  I 
considered  her  uncommonly  cheerful.  But  he  thought  otherwise, 
and  gravely  shook  his  head. 

TJmrsday,  July  30th. 

The  parish  committee  in  Waverley  have  received  a  communi 
cation  from  Mr.  Benson,  that  he  hopes  to  be  with  them  on  Thurs 
day,  the  sixth  day  of  August,  and  should  be  happy  to  meet  any 
of  his  old  people  in  the  vestry  or  at  any  place  they  may  appoint. 
No  sooner  did  they  hear  this  than  they  determined  that  it 
should  be  a  feast  of  welcome.  They  are  perfectly  enthusiastic 
in  their  love  for  him.  I  only  hope  his  wife  may  be  a  suitable  help 
meet. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Munroe  called  here  to-day  to  invite  us  in  behalf 
of  the  managing  committee  to  be  present  on  the  occasion ;  I 
answered  vaguely,  "  that  if  the  Doctor  were  at  liberty,"  etc.,  etc. 

Friday,  July  31st. 
I  am  astonished  at  Emily  —  here  she  has  been  planning  a joui- 

ney  to  C and  has  never  let  us  know  it  until  to-day.     I  went 

in  this  morning  to  give  her  and  mother  the  invitation  left  by  Mr. 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  253 

Munroe.  She  answered  gayly,  "  I  should  be  happy  to  go,  but  I 
shall  be  far  away  before  that  time." 

"  Where  ?  "  I  asked  in  surprise. 

"  Oh,  somewhere  among  the  Catskill  Mountains ;  but,"  she  con 
tinued,  "  Ruth  and  I  have  made  a  nice  loaf  of  cake.  It  is  bride's 
cake,"  she  added,  laughing  gayly,  as  she  brought  from  the  closet  a 
large  loaf  beautifully  frosted.  I  forgot  to  mention,  that  cake, 
fruits,  and  flowers  had  been  solicited  for  the  occasion. 

"  Caesar,"  said  Emily,  "  has  promised  me  two  bouquets  made  in 
his  best  style ;  and  remember,  Mr.  Benson  is  to  hold  one  and  his 
wife  the  other."  Then,  with  a  low  courtesy  in  acknowledgment 
of  my  profound  amazement,  she  deposited  the  cake  in  the  closet, 
again. 

"  Emily,"  said  I,  as  mother  answered  a  summons  from  the 
room,  "  I  do  believe  you're  getting  crazed." 

"Why?" 

"  Because  you  laugh  so  much,  and  act  so  strangely." 

"  Well,  dear  sister,"  said  she,  growing  very  grave,  "  if  crying 
will  suit  you  any  better,  I  can  easily  do  that,"  and  leaning  her 
head  upon  the  table,  with  her  arms  for  her  pillow,  she  gave  way 
to  a  passionate  burst  of  grief. 

"  And  sorrow  too  finds  some  relief 
.  In  tears  which  wait  upon  our  grief." 

I  stood  in  the  middle  of  the  room  perfectly  confounded,  and 
•was  hesitating  whether  I  ought  not  to  run  home  for  Frank,  when 
hearing  a  distant  door  shut  she  started  up,  throwing  her  arms 
around  my  neck,  and  said  hurriedly,  "  Dear  sister,  don't  look  so 
very  sad.  It  has  been  a  hard  struggle  ;  but  it  is  almost  over.  I 
seldom  give  way  as  I  have  done  now ;  that  is  too  great  a  luxury 
to  be  indulged  in  often." 

"  At  times  e'en  bitter  tears  yield  sweet  relief." 
22 


252  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

they  gave  him  a  unanimous  call  to  resettle  with  them.  They 
have  not  received  a  regular  answer  to  their  call ;  but  only  that  he 
will  be  with  them,  providence  permitting,  the  second  Sabbath  in 
August.  They  seem  to  feel  sure,  however,  that  he  will  prefer  to 
settle  with  the  people  of  his  first  love.  And  they  are  ready  to 
offer  him  a  better  support  than  they  were  able  to  do  formerly. 
The  young  men  are  fitting  up  the  grounds  about  the  parsonage, 
and  the  whole  village  is  alive  with  interest.  I  can't  tell  whether 
to  be  glad  or  sorry.  Perhaps  if  Emily  were  to  see  him  often,  she 
would  the  sooner  conquer  any  remaining  interest  she  may  feel  for 
him. 

Since  that  first  night,  if  she  is  indulging  grief,  she  deceives  even 
me.  Indeed,  I  told  Frank  to-day,  after  she  left  the  room,  that  I 
considered  her  uncommonly  cheerful.  But  he  thought  otherwise, 
and  gravely  shook  his  head. 

Thursday,  July  30th. 

The  parish  committee  in  "Waverley  have  received  a  communi 
cation  from  Mr.  Benson,  that  he  hopes  to  be  with  them  on  Thurs 
day,  the  sixth  day  of  August,  and  should  be  happy  to  meet  any 
of  his  old  people  in  the  vestry  or  at  any  place  they  may  appoint. 
No  sooner  did  they  hear  this  than  they  determined  that  it 
should  be  a  feast  of  welcome.  They  are  perfectly  enthusiastic 
in  their  love  for  him.  I  only  hope  his  wife  may  be  a  suitable  help 
meet. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Munroe  called  here  to-day  to  invite  us  in  behalf 
of  the  managing  committee  to  be  present  on  the  occasion ;  I 
answered  vaguely,  "  that  if  the  Doctor  were  at  liberty,"  etc.,  etc. 

Friday,  July  31st. 
I  am  astonished  at  Emily  —  here  she  has  been  planning  a  joui- 

ney  to  C and  has  never  let  us  know  it  until  to-day.     I  went 

in  this  morning  to  give  her  and  mother  the  invitation  left  by  Mr. 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  253 

?  Cunroe.  She  answered  gayly,  "  I  should  be  happy  to  go,  but  I 
?•  lall  be  far  away  before  that  time." 

"  Where  ?  "  I  asked  in  surprise. 

"  Oh,  somewhere  among  the  Catskill  Mountains ;  but,"  she  con- 
(  nued,  "  Ruth  and  I  have  made  a  nice  loaf  of  cake.  It  is  bride's 
(ike,"  she  added,  laughing  gayly,  as  she  brought  from  the  closet  a 
1  irge  loaf  beautifully  frosted.  I  forgot  to  mention,  that  cake, 
t  /uits,  and  flowers  had  been  solicited  for  the  occasion. 

"  Cassar,"  said  Emily, "  has  promised  me  two  bouquets  made  in 
1  is  best  style ;  and  remember,  Mr.  Benson  is  to  hold  one  and  his 
vife  the  other."  Then,  with  a  low  courtesy  in  acknowledgment 
<  f  my  profound  amazement,  she  deposited  the  cake  in  the  closet, 

-  Sain- 

"  Emily,"  said  I,  as  mother  answered  a  summons  from  the 
a  oom,  "  I  do  believe  you're  getting  crazed." 

"Why?" 

"  Because  you  laugh  so  much,  and  act  so  strangely." 

"  Well,  dear  sister,"  said  she,  growing  very  grave,  "  if  crying 
M  ill  suit  you  any  better,  I  can  easily  do  that,"  and  leaning  her 
head  upon  the  table,  with  her  arms  for  her  pillow,  she  gave  way 
to  a  passionate  burst  of  grief. 

"  And  sorrow  too  finds  some  relief 
.In  tears  which  wait  upon  our  grief." 

I  stood  in  the  middle  of  the  room  perfectly  confounded,  and 
•was  hesitating  whether  I  ought  not  to  run  home  for  Frank,  when 
hearing  a  distant  door  shut  she  started  up,  throwing  her  arms 
around  my  neck,  and  said  hurriedly,  "  Dear  sister,  don't  look  so 
very  sad.  It  has  been  a  hard  struggle  ;  but  it  is  almost  over.  I 
Beldom  give  way  as  I  have  done  noAV ;  that  is  too  great  a  luxury 
to  be  indulged  in  often." 

"  At  times  e'en  bitter  tears  yield  sweet  relief." 
22 


254  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

She  turned  to  leave  me  ;  but  I  persisted  in  following  her  to  her 
room.  We  sat  down  after  I  had  closed  the  door.  Turning  from 
our  late  subject,  she  began  to  say  something  in  a  careless  tone. 

"  Don't,  Emily,  don't  speak  so,  that  makes  me  feel  worse  than 
anything." 

"  Cora,"  she  exclaimed  in  an  excited  tone,  as  unlike  the  other, 
as  if  she  were  a  different  person,  "  Cora,  what  do  you  think  you 
should  do,  if  after  all  the  years  you  've  loved  Frank,  you  should 
suddenly  find  out  some  day,  you  were  committing  sin  every 
moment  you  continued  to  love  him  ?  Supposing  you  should  some 
day  find  out  he  had  another  wife  ?  " 

"  Oh !  sister,"  I  answered, "  I  should  die,  I  could  n't  help  loving 
Frank." 

«  No,  that  would  be  too  easy ;  I  '11  tell  you  what  you  should  do," 
drawing  herself  up  to  her  full  height,  and  looking  almost  like  a 
queen.  "  You  must  tear  up  your  love  by  the  roots ;  you  must 
never  allow  one  tender  thought  of  him.  Drive  them  out.  Drive 
them  away  !  You  must  keep  saying  to  yourself,  '  It  is  sin  against 
God!  It  is  sin  against  my  own  soul! '  Night  and  day  you  must 
do  this." 

"  Dear,  darling  sister,"  said  I,  weeping  upon  her  neck,  "  Is  this 
the  way  you  have  to  do  ?  "  I  stood  back  and  gazed  at  her  with 
admiration.  Never  had  she  seemed  more  beautiful.  Her  whole 
countenance  was  brilliant  with  excitement ;  and  she  looked  like 
one  whose  mind  was  made  up  to  conquer  or  to  die.  But  as  I 
stood,  she  put  her  arm  lovingly  around  me.  "  Dearest  sister,  I 
have  done  wrong  to  pain  you  thus  ;  and  for  my  own  sake  I  must 
avoid  suchf  cenes.  I  must  struggle  and  conquer  alone.  No,  not 
alone,"  she  added  in  a  subdued  voice,  "my  Saviour  will  aid 
me." 

I  took  my  leave,  wondering  if  Mr.  Benson  had  ever  known  a 
pang  like  hers.  I  acknowledged  to  myself  a  rising  prejudice 
against  the  man  for  loving  another. 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  255 

Saturday,  August  1st. 

Emily  is  not  quite  well,  and  has  postponed  her  journey  until 
the  first  of  the  week.  How  entirely  mother  is  deceived  by  her 
calmness.  She  spoke  to  me  of  it  with  tears  in  her  eyes,  and  said 
she  was  so  thankful  that  the  dear  girl  was  quiet  in  her  feelings. 
How  little  we  know  of  the  misery  that  is  passing  before  our  eyes  ! 
But  Emily  is  a  noble  hearted  woman  ;  and  she  will  not  allow  her 
grief,  which  she  always  remembers  is  the  effect  of  her  own  insin- 
cerity,to  trouble  her  friends.  I  have  no  doubt,  I  should  sink  under 
such  a  blow.  My  heart  aches  when  I  think  my  tender-hearted, 
sensitive  Pauline  may  be  destined  to  such  a  trial.  But  if  she  has 
not  the  Lenox  blood  in  her,  she  certainly  has  a  great  deal  of 
character,  and  never  will  make  a  tame  woman.  I  wonder  what 
her  little  sister  will  be  ? 

,' 

Wednesday,  August  5th. 

If  I  can  steady  my  hand  sufficiently  to  hold  a  pen  I  will  tell 
you  some  news.  I  went  this  afternoon  to  the  village  on  an  errand 
for  Emily,  who  is  still  suffering  from  an  attack  of  her  old  com 
plaint,  the  nervous  head-ache.  In  company  with  Pauline,  I  was 
walking  home  slowly,  as  it  is  very  warm,  when  a  gentleman 
passed  me  on  horse-back.  I  did  not  recognize  him  ;  but  when  I 
addressed  some  remark  to  Pauline,  he  turned,  sprang  from  his 
horse,  and  was  by  my  side  in  a  moment. 

"  Mr.  Benson  !  "  I  exclaimed  in  a  glad  voice,  for  at  the  time  I 
only  felt  my  old  respect  for  him.  His  manner  was  very  cordial ; 
and  I  could  not  but  acknowledge  that  he  was  greatly  improved  by 
his  travels.  But  as  he  grew  more  free,  I  became  more  embarrassed, 
and  as  he  walked  by  my  side  leading  his  horse,  I  began  to  wonder 
what  I  should  do  with  him.  He  took  great  notice  of  Pauline,  in 
whom  he  was  formerly  much  interested.  He  had  not  yet  inquired 
for  sister,  and  I  determined  to  give  him  no  chance.  "I  am  sur 
prised,"  I  said,  « to  see  you  on  horse-back." 


256  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

"  I  was  always  fond  of  the  exercise,  and  I  have  almost  lived 
on  the  backs  of  horses,  or  rather  mules  and  camels  for  the  last 
five  years." 

" But  now"  said  I,  hesitating,  meaning  without  his  wife. 

His  countenance  brightened  with  a  smile,  as  he  said,  "  You  will 
find  me  very  little  changed  in  my  tastes.  I  am  just  the  same 
man." 

I  blushed  with  indignation,  and  wanted  to  say,  "  no,  you  are 
very  much  altered,  for  you  are  a  married  man."  "  Where  is  your 
wife  ?  "  I  asked,  after  a  pause. 

He  started  and  looked  me  full  in  the  face.  Seeing  I  still  waited 
for  an  answer,  he  said,  "  I  did  not  understand  you." 

"  Where  is  Mrs.  Benson  ?  "  1  repeated. 

For  an  instant  he  looked  terribly  stern.  Then  recovering  him 
self,  and  evidently  forcing  a  laugh,  said,  "  that  is  a  question  far 
easier  to  ask  than  to  answer." 

I  made  no  reply,  but  looked  at  him  in  astonishment. 

Seeing  me  very  serious,  he  said,  "  I  fear  you  are  laboring  under 
a  mistake,  and  are  giving  me  more  than  is  my  due.  I  have  not 
the  happiness  to  be  a  married  man." 

I  'm  sure,  I  can't  tell  whether  I  screamed,  or  not ;  I  know  I  felt 
like  it.  "And  are  n't  you  about  to  be  married  to  Miss  Karswell, 
from  the  South  ?  "  I  asked  eagerly. 

He  bit  his  lips  as  he  smiled  and  looked  down,  but  presently 
said,  "  I  have  not  even  that  honor." 

"And  not  to  "  —  I  checked  myself  in  much  confusion. 

"  Dear  Mrs.  Lenox,"  said  he,  taking  my  hand,  "  I  see  you  are 
the  same  kind  friend  as  ever,"  and  bowing  adieu  he  sprang  upon 
his  horse  and  rode  away,  looking  back  to  send  his  regards  to  my 
husband.  I  had  not  time  or  presence  of  mind  to  invite  him  to 
call.  But  as  soon  as  we  were  in  our  own  grounds,  I  flew  along 
the  walks,  up  the  steps  into  the  library,  hoping  Frank  had  returned. 
I  must  tell  somebody.  Fortunately  he  was  there.  I  ran  across 


OR,  REVELATIONS   OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  257 

the  room,  and  began  to  caress  him  so  convulsively  that  he  started 
up  to  see  what  could  have  happened. 

"  Why,  Cora,  you  're  all  in  a  heat.     What  excites  you  so  ?  " 

"  Wait  till  I  can  get  my  breath,"  said  I,  "  Oh,  Frank  !  I  'm  so 
glad  !  Mr.  Benson  is  n't  married !" 

"  But  where  is  Miss  Karswell  from  the  South  ? "  said  he 
sternly. 

"  You  need  not  look  so  grave,  I  don't  care  where  she  is ;  only  I 
know  he  is  neither  married  nor  engaged  to  her." 

"  How  do  you  know  ?  "  he  inquired  in  a  doubting  tone. 

"  Because  I  asked  him,  and  he  told  me  so." 

Frank  now  began  tg  be  as  much  astonished,  and  as  eager  for 
news  as  I  wished.  I  commenced  at  the  beginning  and  related  all 
the  conversation.  "  Now  Frank,"  said  I,  when  I  had  finished, 
"  Emily  must  n't  go  to  C .  Even  if  I  had  not  seen  Mr.  Ben 
son,  and  found  out  the  mistake  under  which  we  were  laboring,  she 
is  not  really  well  enough  to  undertake  the  jburney  alone ;  and  I 
feel  confident  that  her  only  object  in  going  was  to  avoid  meeting 
him  at  present." 

"  I  grant  all  this,  my  dear,  and  love  you  for  your  enthusiastic 
interest  in  your  sister  ;  but  you  are  going  too  fast ;  and  jumping 
at  a  conclusion  which  may  be  far  from  true,  that  because  he  is 
not  engaged  to  be  married  to  one  particular  lady  at  the  South,  it 
necessarily  follows  that  he  must  be  in  love  with  and  wishing  to 
marry  a  lady  who  haughtily  refused  him  five  years  ago.  I  can't 
say,  my  dear,  I  think  logic  is  exactly  your  forte." 

"  I  don't  wish  any  logic  applied  to'my  love  nor  to  that  of  those 
with  whom  I  have  to  do.  I  want  nothing  but  the  outbursting  of 
a  full  heart  which  overleaps  all  the  deductions  of  logic.  I  should  n't 
think  much  of  any  man's  love,  much  less  of  a  woman's,"  said  I 
proudly,  "  who  stopped  to  reason  and  calculate." 

Frank  smiled,  as  he  saw  me  working  myself  up  into  such  an 
excitement.  "  Well,"  said  he,  "  1  think  I  can  name  one  man  who 
reasoned  and  calculated,  as  you  so  indignantly  express  it,  and  who, 

22* 


258  CORA.  AND  THE  DOCTOR? 

being  well  convinced  that  reason  justified  and  approved  his  love, 
he  then  calculated  his  chance  of  success,  and  finding  that  a  pair 
of  bright  eyes  grew  brighter  at  his  approach,  and  that  notwith 
standing  all  the  owner's  efforts  to  prevent  it,  the  blushes  burned 
upon  her  cheeks,  he  continued, 

1  You  know,  you  must  have  known, 
I  long  have  lov'd  —  lov'd  you  alone, 
But  cannot  know  how  dearly." 

1  He  told  her  if  his  hopes  were  cross'd, 
His  every  aim  in  life  was  lost. 
She  knew  he  spoke  sincerely.'  " 

"  Then  encouraged  by  her  downcast  looks,  he  allowed  his  heart 
free  vent,  and  soon  found  himself  the  fortunate  owner  of  the  most 
true,  and  loving  heart  that  ever  man  was  blessed  with." 

I  was  completely  overcome,  though  I  tried  to  conceal  it.  "  Oh !  " 
said  I,  "  if  the  lords  of  creation  were  only  not  so  vain.  There 
might  be  ten  thousand  things  to  make  one  blush  beside  "  —  but  I 
felt  my  own  cheeks  burn,  and  I  concluded  to  return  to  the  original 
subject.  Frank  advised  me  certainly  to  tell  Emily  what  I  had 
intended,  but  by  no  means  to  encourage  in  her  the  idea  that  Mr. 
Benson  wished  to  renew  his  addresses  to  her. 

"  You  don't  know,  Emily,"  I  said,  "  as  well  as  I  do.  She  has 
as  proud  a  spirit  as  your  own ;  and  I  think,  she  would  die  rather 
than  to  allow  any  one  to  suppose*  she  were  sitting  meekly  waiting 
his  affection." 

Thursday,  August  Qth. 

After  the  conversation  yesterday  afternoon,  I  was  obliged  to 
own  to  myself  that  I  had  been  too  hasty  in  my  conclusions ;  and 
I  determined  to  be  very  careful  of  what  I  said  to  sister.  I  walked 
over  to  the  cottage,  therefore,  instead  of  running,  as  I  felt  inclined, 
and  found  mother  alone  in  the  parlor  completing  a  dress  for  Emily. 

"  Where  is  sister  ?  "  I  asked. 


OK,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  259 

"  She  is  in  her  room,  packing.  I  wish  you  would  persuade  her 
to  give  up  this  journey,  or  at  least  to  postpone  it.  She  really  is 
not  well." 

"  That  is  just  my  errand.     Frank  is  decided  against  it." 
"Well   then,  go  and  talk  with   the   child,   and  I  wish  you 
success." 

I  peeped  into  the  room,  and  saw  her  on  her  knees  at  the  trunk, 

while  Ruth  was  passing  articles  to  her  young  mistress  from  the 

drawers,  closets,  etc.     I  said,  "  Ruth,  I  will  take  your  place,"  and 

she  went  below.     Now  I  had  prepared  a  kind  of  speech  for  the 

occasion ;  but  at  the  time  I  could  n't  think  of  a  word  of  it. 

"  Emjly,"  said  I,  sitting  down  instead  of  assisting  her,  "  I  have 

come  to  ask  a  great  favor  of  you.     Will  you  grant  it  ?  " 

"  Certainly,  my  love,  why  should  you  doubt  it  ?  " 

"  Well  then,  Frank,  mother  and  I,  are  very  unhappy  to  have 

you  leave  in  your  present  state  of  health,  and  we  ask  you  to  please 

defer  your  visit  to  C until  another  time." 

Emily  looked  much  troubled,  as  she  rose  and  stood  before  me. 
"  you  mean  kindly ;  but  believe  me,  dear  sister,  it  would  be  fur 
better  and  easier  for  me  to  be  away.  My  head-ache  is  better,  and 
is  only  occasioned  by  the  heat." 

"  Well,  darling,  will  you,  to  please  me,  postpone  it  for  one 
week  ?  " 

She  stood  a  full  minute,  as  if  calculating  her  own  strength  to 
endure  ;  and  then  said,  "  I  will,  from  such  a  motive,  and  for  so  short 
a  time." 

"  Then,"  said  I,  joyfully,  "  one  subject  is  disposed  of.  You  've 
granted  me  one  favor,  —  I  want  another." 

"  You  're  fortunate,"  she  replied,  smiling,  "  in  finding  me  in 
good  humor.  However,  you  're  not  very  troublesome  in  that  way. 
I  think  I  can  venture  to  promise." 

".Well,"  said  I,  casting  down  my  eyes,  (I  could  not  for  my  life 
meet  hers,)  "  I  want  that  beautiful  bride's  cake." 

"  Why,  Cora,"  she  replied,  as  I  glanced  up  and  met  a  very 


260  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR J 

mischievous  look, "  I  did  n't  know  you  were  so  fond  of  cake.     I'll 
make  you  half  a  dozen  loaves." 
«  No,  but  I  want  that  one." 
"Why?" 

"  Because,"  I  answered,  my  heart  leaping  into  my  mouth, "  there 
will  be  no  bride  there  to  need  it." 

Emily  started,  and  then  said  calmly,  « that  makes  no  difference." 
"  But,"  said  I,  eagerly,  "  he  has  no  bride.     Mr.  Benson  is  not 
married.     The  report  was  false." 

Poor  girl !  she  fairly  shook  with  emotion,  and  her  face  turned 
deadly  pale.  She  gazed  at  me  for  one  instant,  and  then  threw 
herself  down  by  the  side  of  the  bed.  "My  God,  I  thank 
thee  for  removing  the  awful  load  of  guilt  from  my  heart,"  was  all 
that  I  could  hear,  though  she  continued  a  long  time  in  that  attitude. 
When  she  arose,  I  put  my  arm  around  her,  as  she  sat  shading  her 
face  with  her  hand. 

"  Sister,  you  will  be  happier  now." 

"  Yes,  dear,"  she  answered  quietly,  "  you  have  removed  a 
great  load  of  guilt  from  my  soul,  and  I  shall,  I  must  feel 
happier." 

After  a  pause,  I  whispered,  "  you  will  not  object  to  meet  Mr. 
Benson  now." 

She  started  to  her  feet  with  such  a  world  of  meaning  in  her 
tone  as  she  said,  "  Cora  ! " 

"  I  mean,"  said  I,  hesitating,  "  he  is  to  be  our  neighbor  again  ; 
and  it  would  be  so  much  pleasanter,  and  better  every  way,  to  be 
on  terms  of  friendship  with  him." 

She  looked  so  proudly  as  she  stood  before  me,  and  said,  "  that 
is  hardly  possible  ;  certainly  not  at  all  probable.  He  would  not 
wish  it." 

"  Oh,  I  am  sure  he  would  !  "  I  exclaimed  eagerly.  "  I  have 
seen  him,  and  he  says  he  is  just  the  same  man ;  that  his  tastes  are 
not  changed." 

Oh !  what  a  beautiful  rosy  blush  spread  all  over  her  cheeks  aud 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  261 

brow ;  a  bright  light  danced  for  one  moment  in  her  eye,  and  lead 
ing  me  to  the  door,  she  said  in  a  low  tone,  "  you  have  made  me 
very  happy.  Please  go  and  tell  mother.  I  must  be  alone."  She 
put  her  hand  to  her  heart  to  still  the  new  and  strange  feeling  of 
hope  that  was  springing  up  there. 


CHAPTER    XXVII. 

"  The  first  fresh  love 

Dies  never  wholly;  it  lives  on  through  pain 
And  disappointment ;  often  when  the  heart 
Is  crushed,  and  all  its  sympathies  pressed  out, 
This  lingers,  and  awakens,  and  shines  bright."        PERCIVAL. 

Friday,  August  7th. 

THE  visit  of  welcome  passed  off  delightfully.  The  guests  as 
sembled  in  a  spacious  hall  which  was  tastefully  decorated  for  the 
occasion.  The  tables  were  loaded  with  fruits  and  flowers,  inter 
mingled  with  substantial  viands  for  such  as  preferred  them.  It 
was  Emily's  desire  that  mother  should  accompany  us ;  and  we 
entered  early  to  witness  the  reception  of  the  pastor.  Mr.  Benson 
had  requested  that  there  should  be  as  little  formality  as  possible. 
The  services  opened  by  an  appropriate  original  hymn.  By  whom 
do  you  think  it  was  written  ?  By  Mrs.  Anna  Reynolds,  who  was 
a  native  of  Waverley.  Mr.  Munroe  invoked  a  blessing,  and  then 
all  went  forward  to  shake  hands  with  their  beloved  pastor,  and  ex 
press  their  joy  at  his  return. 

After  allowing  his  own  people  their  first  claim  to  his  notice, 
Frank  walked  up  with  mother  and  myself.  A  great  crowd  had 
pressed  around  the  traveller,  but  when  the  Doctor's  tall  form 
approached,  he  darted  forward,  eager  to  express  his  welcome  to 
us ;  not,  however,  without  a  quick  glance  behind  us,  as  if  missing 
an  absent  member  of  our  family. 

"  We  have  come,"  replied  the  Doctor,  "  to  welcome  you,  though 
I  think  my  wife  has  already  had  that  pleasure." 


OR,  REVELATIONS   OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  263 

He  bowed  over  my  hand,  and  expressed  his  delight  at  the  honor 
we  had  done  him.  Amidst  all  the  claims  upon  his  attention,  —  and 
he  had  a  kind  word  and  smile  for  every  one,  —  he  soon  made  an 
opportunity  to  approach  the  place  where  our  little  party  stood,  and 
suggesting  to  the  Doctor  the  awkwardness  of  a  gentleman  being 
without  a  companion,  begged  me  to  take  his  arm.  "  I  have  not 
had  an  opportunity,"  he  said,  smiling,  "  to  ask  after  the  health  of 
your  sweet  little  girl,  Pauline,  I  think  is  her  name." 

"  She  is  quite  well,"  I  replied. 

"  That  does  not,  I  think,  embrace  all  of  your  family." 

"  Oh,  no  !  there  is  a  dai-ling  little  Nelly  at  home  ;  sister  is  with 
her  this  evening,  as  she  wished  mother  to  have  the  pleasure  of 
being  here." 

He  looked  at  me  earnestly  for  a  moment,  as  if  he  would  fain 
have  asked  a  question,  but  dared  not.  For  want  of  something 
better  to  do,  he  picked  up  a  flower  which  had  dropped  from  a 
vase,  and  began  to  analyze  it,  but  seeing  an  arch  smile  upon  my 
face  which  I  could  not  repress,  he  hastily  threw  it  aside. 

"  You  must  not  infer,"  I  said  at  length,  pitying  his  embarrass 
ment,  "  because  sister  and  Pauline  are  not  here,  that  they  do  not 
wish  you  a  hearty  welcome ;  but  Emily  has  had  her  trunk 
packed  for  a  number  of  days  to  go  a  journey,  and  she  only  post 
poned  it  as  an  accommodation  to  me." 

Just  then  he  was  called  away ;  but  turned  back  to  go  with  me 
to  my  husband,  saying  in  a  low  voice,  "  have  I  your  permission 
to  make  you  an  early  call  ?  " 

"  I  should  have  invited  you  the  other  day,"  I  answered,  "  if 
you  had  not  been  in  such  a  hurry." 

He  had  a  queer  look  as  he  smiled  and  said,  "  your  questions 
had  somewhat  confused  me,  I  acknowledge.  I  must  ask  an  ex 
planation  at  some  future  time." 

"  Ah,"  said  I,  "  I  rather  think  you  will  be  the  one  who  will  be 
required  to  give  an  explanation." 

We  had  been  slowly  making  our  way  through  the  crowd  to  the 


264  CORA  AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

other  end  of  the  hall,  where  mother  and  the  Doctor  awaited  us, 
for  the  entertainment  to  commence ;  but  Mr.  Benson  seemed  not 
to  notice  the  signs  of  impatience  from  the  young  people,  and 
replied  in  an  impressive  manner,  « I  shall  only  be  too  happy  to 
answer  any  questions  you  may  wish  to  ask." 

While  waiting  for  the  company  to  be  quiet,  Frank  touched  my 
burning  cheek,  and  whispered  archly,  "  I  hope  Emily  is  not  of  a 
jealous  disposition." 

«  She  is  a  Lenox,"  I  replied  gravely. 

It  took  some  time  for  the  company  to  form  themselves  around 
the  table ;  when  the  pastor's  voice  was  heard  in  prayer  for  the 
first  time  since  his  return,  thanking  the  Author  of  all  our  bless- 
ings,  for  the  kind  care  which  had  watched  over  us  during  our  long 
separation,  and  brought  pastor,  people  and  friends  together  under 
such  delightful  circumstances.  The  prayer  was  short,  but  very 
tender  and  appropriate.  Many  wept  for  joy  at  their  beloved 
teacher's  return ;  but  soon  all  were  engaged  in  the  business  of 
the  hour,  and  nothing  was  heard  for  some  time  but  the  clatter  of 
plates  and  spoons,  and  the  eager  voices  asking  to  be  helped.  It 
was  quite  enough  for  me  to  watch  the  others.  I  smiled  as  I  saw 
Mr.  Benson  standing  with  his  eyes  fixed  abstractedly  upon  his 
plate,  while  his  thoughts  were  evidently  far  away. 

I  must  pass  quickly  over  the  speeches,  singing,  etc.,  which 
occurred  when  «  all  had  eaten,  and  were  full."  We  had  intended 
to  excuse  ourselves  early,  and  return  home,  but  found  no  oppor 
tunity  to  do  so.  Frank  made  a  short  speech  of  welcome,  which 
if  I  am  a  judge  was  as  acceptable  to  the  traveller  as  any  other. 
Then  all  were  requested  to  join  in  a  closing  hymn,  when  we 
withdrew  to  our  homes. 

Frank  said  to  Mr.  Benson  at  parting,  that  as  an  old  friend,  he 
would  always  be  welcome  at  our  house,  and  mother  reiterated  the 
same.  I  fancied  Frank  was  slightly  embarrassed.  "  Good  night, 
Mr.  Benson,"  I  said,  shaking  hands  from  the  carriage.  "  Remem 
ber  your  promise  to  call  soon  and  renew  your  acquaintance  with  — 
with  my  little  Pauline." 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  265 

He  bowed  low  to  conceal  a  smile,  and  we  started  for  home  by 
a  most  serene  but  bright  moonlight. 

Saturday,  August  8th. 

This  morning  Emily  came  over  to  the  house  as  usual  to  see 
and  frolic  with  the  baby.  As  Ann  was  carrying  on  a  great 
business  in  the  nursery,  in  the  way  of  cleaning,  we  took  the 
young  ladies  to  the  parlor.  Nelly  was  so  noisy  that  we  could  not 
hear  ourselves  speak.  I  ladghed  until  I  cried  at  sister,  as  she 
threw  the  baby  high  over  her  head,  and  then  tossed  her  back  into 
her  lap.  A  slight  sound  made  me  turn,  and  there  I  beheld  the 
elegant,  distinguished  traveller,  whose  praise  was  in  every  mouth, 
standing  in  the  door-way  with  the  most  complacent  of  smiles.  I 
sprang  up.  " Emily"  said  I  quickly  ;  but  it  was  too  late.  Miss 
was  safely  perched  on  her  head  again,  her  tiny  feet  kicking,  and 
her  delighted  shout  ringing  through  the  room. 

In  exactly  this  position  was  my  refined  sister  when  her  wonder 
ing  eyes  caught  the  first  glimpse  of  the  intruder.  Quick  as  light 
ning  the  aspiring  child  was  brought  down  from  her  high  position, 
and  set  upon  the  carpet,  while  Emily  looked  for  an  instant  as  if 
she  were  meditating  a  rapid  descent  through  the  floor.  But  it  was 
too  ludicrous.  "VVe  looked  at  one  another  and  burst  into  a  hearty 
laugh.  I  have  my  doubts  if  any  foreign  ambassador  was  ever 
more  relieved  at  the  termination  of  a  troublesome  embassy,  than 
was  our  friend  Mr.  Benson,  at  this  favorable  opportunity  for  re 
newing  past  friendship. 

"  They  met  — 

Whose  hands,  not  souls,  had  long  been  parted, 
To  smile  —  and  in  that  smile  forget 
All  in  the  feeling  —  We  have  met !  " 

Emily,  like  a  noble  girl  as  she  really  is,  advanced  frankly  to 
ward  our  visitor ;  and  though  her  hair  was  dressed  in  rather  an 
odd  style  by  baby ;  and  her  cheeks  were  rather  too  rosy  from  her 
violent  exercise ;  yet  the  clergyman  did  not  appear  to  like  her  the 
less  on  that  account.  He  fixed  his  deep  penetrating  eyes  for  one 

23 


266  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

moment  on  hers  ;  but  I  don't  know  whether  he  gleaned  anything 
very  satisfactory  from  them,  as  hers  were  quickly  dropped,  and 
her  long  black  lashes  were  an  effectual  shield.  Emily  had  too 
much  good  sense  to  apologize  for  her  dishabille ;  and  I  am  sure 
she  needed  no  apology,  for  though  in  a  simple  white  wrapper, 
fastened  to  the  throat  by  a  cameo  brooch,  and  a  black  silk  apron ; 
yet  I  thought  again  and  again  as  I  looked,  that  there  was  a  beauty 
about  her  which  I  had  never  witnessed  before.  There  was  a  kind 
of  consciousness  or  shyness  which  was  very  bewitching.  I  am 
quite  sure  there  was  one  beside  myself  of  similar  opinion,  for  he 
improved  well  the  opportunity  her  downcast  eyes  afforded  to  gaze 
unreproved.  Nelly,  however,  was  by  no  means  satisfied  at  the 
sudden  termination  of  her  frolic,  and  was  constantly  climbing  to 
her  aunt's  knee,  to  recommence  the  play.  She  appeared  perfectly 
astonished  at  the  unwonted  neglect  she  received ;  but  finding  at 
length  that  she  could  not  accomplish  her  object,  crept  quietly  away 
to  her  toys. 

Pauline  now  came  in,  having  accomplished  her  self-imposed 
task  of  reading  aloud  to  Phebe  in  the  kitchen.  It  may  be  doubted 
whether  the  faithful  woman  gained  much  instruction  from  informa 
tion  received  under  such  unfavorable  auspices.  But  Pauline  was 
full  of  zeal ;  and  though  Phebe  walked  heavily  from  pantry  to 
sink,  and  from  sink  to  closet  in  the  performance  of  her  duties,  yet 
as  she  refrained  from  talking,  the  dear  child  never  doubted  but 
she  was  much  interested.  With  her  open  book  in  her  hand,  she 
came  running  into  the  room,  and  at  a  call  from  Mr.  Benson, 
advanced  gracefully  toward  him. 

He  took  her  book,  and  talked  Avith  her  of  its  contents.  As  I 
looked  at  them,  I  could  hardly  identify  him  as  the  same  man  who 
had  formerly  been  nearly  as  much  an  object  of  pity,  as  of  respect. 
He  was  now  a  thoroughly  polished  gentleman,  who  had  beea 
received  at  almost  every  court  in  Europe,  and  who  had,  for  the 
last  two  years,  been  travelling  in  close  companionship  with  one  of 
the  most  cultivated  families  in  New  York.  I  longed  to  ask  about  the 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  26? 

Misses  Karswell,  but  knew  that  the  present  was  not  a  suitable 
time. 

Emily  had  now  recovered  herself,  and  the  conversation  became 
general.  We  conversed  regarding  places  of  interest  in  England 
and  France,  and  found  during  the  two  hours  he  remained,  that  in 
whatever  else  he  had  failed,  he  certainly  had  acquired  the  art  of 
conversation.  Perhaps  he  might  have  been  more  than  usually 
inspired  on  the  present  occasion,  for  he  rendered  himself  a  most 
delightful  companion.  Sister  usually  claims  for  herself  a  good 
sluu'e  of  the  talking ;  but  at  this  time  was  so  obliging  as  to  be  a 
willing  listener.  When  Mr.  Benson  arose,  I  invited  him  to  remain 
and  dine  with  us ;  but  he  politely  declined,  saying  he  must  be  in 
his  study  as  he  had  not  completed  his  preparation  for  the  Sabbath. 
But  he  added  that  he  should  be  happy  to  pay  his  respects  to 
mother  before  he  took  leave. 

"  Emily  will  accompany  you  to  the  cottage,"  I  said,  wholly  un 
mindful  of  her  imploring  glance.  She  put  on  her  hat,  and  with  a 
shake  of  her  head  at  me,  she  walked  with  him  across  the  garden, 
lie  having  secured  permission  to  repeat  his  call  at  an  early  day. 

When  Frank  came  home  we  had  a  hearty  laugh  over  our 
morning  adventures.  "  I  should  have  liked  to  have  been  present," 
said  he,  "  and  to  have  seen  Emily  caught  in  that  way." 

Soon  after,  Frank  left ;  it  was  about  three  o'clock,  I  think,  1 
went  over  to  the  cottage  to  laugh  at  sister,  or,  with  her,  just  as  she 
felt  inclined,  when  on  opening  the  parlor  door,  there  sat  the  gen 
lleman  as  unmoved,  as  though  two  sermons  were  not  lying  on  his 
<tudy  table  waiting  to  be  completed.  When  he  saw  me,  I  solemnly 
declare  the  man  blushed,  and  no  wonder,  when  he  had  declined  so 
polite  an  invitation  at  our  house.  I  felt  inclined  to  joke  him.  "  1 
am  very  glad,  sister,"  I  said,  "  that  you  persuaded  Mr.  Benson  to 
remain  and  prepare  his  sermons  here,  where  he  will  not  be  liable  to 
the  interruptions  incident  to  his  first  arrival  at  home." 

He  sprang  up  and  took  my  hand,  saying,  "  spare  me,  dear  Mrs. 
Lenox  ;  but  I  must  indeed  be  gone,"  and  he  hastily  bid  us  adieu. 


268  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

Mother  was  at  a  loss  to  account  for  his  sudden  flight,  until  I 
told  her,  he  had  come  in  here  in  order  to  obtain  assistance  in 
preparing  for  the  duties  of  the  Sabbath. 


Friday,  August 

Last  evening  we  were  invited  to  a  select  party  at  Allen  Mans 
field's.  The  Doctor,  Emily,  and  I  accepted  the  invitation.  Among 
the  first  guests  came  Mr.  Benson,  whose  unexpected  entrance 
brought  a  bright  blush  to  Emily's  cheek.  lie  was  quite  the  lion 
of  the  evening,  and  all  seemed  interested  and  profited  by  the 
conversation  between  him  and  Frank,  who  had  taken  nearly  the 
same  tour  of  Europe.  But  he  paid  sister  very  little  attention, 
though  I  could  see  that  he  watched  her  closely  as  her  lovely 
countenance  varied  with  her  emotion.  "Ah,"  said  I  to  myself,  as 
the  evening  closed  without  his  having  addressed  a  single  remark 
directly  to  Emily,  "  if  you  are  making  love,  you  have  considerably 
changed  your  tactics  during  your  absence." 

Emily  was  just  taking  her  brother's  arm  to  walk  home,  as  it 
was  but  a  short  distance,  when  the  young  clergyman  joined  us, 
saying,  "  I  am  sure,  Doctor,  you  are  far  too  generous  to  monopolize 
more  than  your  share,"  and  he  offered  his  arm  to  sister.  I  suppose 
it  is  not  an  uncommon  habit  for  gentlemen  of  the  cloth  to  be 

"  Like  Isaac  with  a  mind  applied 
To  serious  thoughts  at  eventide,'  " 

and  Emily  was  far  too  good  a  girl  to  interrupt  such  pious  medi 
tations. 

Thursday,  September  3d. 

Mr.  Benson  called  to-day  with  young  Karswell,  who  is  about 
twenty-four  years  of  age.  Mother  and  sister  were  passing  the 
day  here.  The  young  man  came  on  to  make  his  friend  a  visit  ; 
and  told  us  he  had  lived  with  him  so  many  years,  he  could  not 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OP   A   PHYSICIAN'S  WIFE.  269 

well  live  without  him.  I  saw  that  he  was  very  much  pleased  with 
Emily,  and  engaged  her  attention  almost  wholly,  while  Mr.  Ben 
son  directed  all  his  conversation  to  mother,  and  hardly  appeared 
to  notice  that  she  was  in  the  room.  For  the  last  few  times  he 
has  called,  especially  if  any  stranger  is  present,  he  is  extremely 
reserved.  Even  so  intimate  a  friend  as  the  one  to-day,  rendered 
him  very  unlike  the  Mr.  Benson  when  first  returned.  They  made 
quite  a  long  call,  and  Mr.  Karswell  managed  to  procure  an  invita 
tion  to  return,  saying  that  he  must  see  the  Doctor,  as  his  father 
had  often  spoken  of  him.  I  should  judge  him  to  be  a  frank,  open 
hearted  fellow ;  but  with  nothing  very  marked  in  his  character. 
lie  is  rather  pretty,  than  handsome,  with  features  delicate  enough 
for  a  girl,  and  somewhat  effeminate  in  manner. 

Friday,  September  ktli. 

Young  Karswell  came  again  to-day  and  alone,  saying,  "  it  is 
dreadfully  dull  at  Waverley,  and  as  Mr.  Benson  was  not  inclined 
for  a  ride,  I  thought  I  would  take  one  myself  and  say  nothing 
about  it."  He  asked  for  sister,  and  said  he  thought  her  handsomer 
than  any  lady  he  had  seen  when  abroad,  because  there  was  so  much 
variety  in  her  expression.  I  accompanied  him  to  the  cottage, 
where  in  a  few  moments  he  appeared  to  feel  as  much  at  home,  as 
if  in  his  mother's  parlor.  I  never  knew  one,  so  entirely  a  stranger, 
talk  so  freely  of  himself,  arid  his  friends.  He  made  quite  a  con 
fident  of  Emily,  telling  her  that  his  cousin  Virginia,  who  accom 
panied  them  in  their  travels,  "was  dead  in  love  with  Mr.  Benson." 

"  We  heard,"  said  I,  joining  them, "  that  he  was  married  to  your 
cousin  from  the  South." 

He  laughed  heartily,  as  he  said,  "  it  is  not  Virginia's  fault  that 
the  report  is  not  true,  for  she  would  gladly  have  given  herself  and 
her  fortune  into  the  bargain.  I  have  often  wondered  why  he  did 
not  take  her,  instead  of  settling  down  in  such  a  tame  place  as 
Waverley." 

Emily's  eyes  sparkled  as  she  replied,  "  Mr.  Benson  is  a  clergy- 
23* 


270  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

man,  and  no  place  is  tame  to  liini  where  there  are  souls  to  be 
saved." 

Young  Karswell  gazed  at  her  with  admiration,  as  if  he  would 
willingly  make  her  angry  to  see  her  light  up  so  again.  But  he 
only  said,  "  Mr.  Benson  is  not  a  marrying  man.  J  don't  believe 
he  has  it  in  him  to  fall  in  love.  During  all  our  travels,  though  we 
met  with  scores  of  beautiful  ladies,  I  never  saw  him  pay  them 
anything  beyond  the  attention  politeness  required." 

Emily  involuntarily  let  her  work  fall  from  her  hands,  but 
instantly  recovered  herself,  and  redoubled  her  diligence. 

j<  By  the  way,"  continued  Mr.  Karswell,  "  is  Mr.  Benson  always 
as  cheerful  as  he  was  yesterday  ?  " 

I  thought  he  was  speaking  in  irony,  and  made  no  reply. 

"  Because,"  he  added,  "  he  is  generally  the  most  reserved  man, 
I  ever  met.  I  used  to  think  myself  very  witty  if  I  could  succeed 
in  making  him  laugh  ;  but  when  he  did,  it  was  just  like  lightning 
in  a  thunder  cloud.  Sister  Gertrude  was  always  raving  about  his 
beautiful  mouth." 

I  left  Emily  to  entertain  the  gentleman  and  returned  to  my 
babies.  It  was  a  full  hour  before  I  saw  him  riding  out  of  the 
yard. 

Tuesday,  September  8lh. 

Quite  a  laughable  scene  took  place  here  this  afternoon.  Mr. 
Karswell  has  been  over  every  day  this  week ;  and  Emily  has 
become  so  tired  of  hearing  him  talk,  that  for  the  last  day  or  two 
she  has  invited  him  to  the  house  with  her,  for  me  to  help  entertain 
him.  I  believe  the  fellow  is  really  in  love,  or  else  he  is  silly,  I 
can't  tell  which.  To-day  she  came  in,  having  warned  me  before 
hand  that  she  should  certainly  plead  other  engagements,  and  leave 
him  with  me.  We  were  hardly  seated  before  Cfesar  opened  the 
hall  door  for  Mr.  Benson,  who  had  not  called  since  he  first 
introduced  him.  No  sooner  did  Mr.  Karswell  hear  his  voice  than 
he  jumped  from  his  seat,  and  tried  to  escape  from  the  room ;  but 


OB,  REVELATIONS   OP   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  2'* 

not  being  able,  he  had  only  time  to  secrete  himself  behind  tin 
door  before  his  friend  entered  with  a  remarkably  grave  face.  No^ 
you  well  know  how  next  to  impossible  it  is  sometimes  to  keep  from 
laughing  when  you  ought.  And  though  I  bit  my  lips  and  tried 
my  utmost,  yet  the  motion  had  been  so  unexpected,  that  I  could 
hardly  refrain  from  being  rude.  I  advanced  to  the  gentleman  and 
told  him  with  a  broad  laugh  on  iny  face,  that  it  was  a  very  long 
time  since  he  had  called.  Emily  would  not  look  up,  but  kept  her 
hat  which  she  held  in  her  hand  before  her  face.  I  could  well 
understand  Mr.  Karswell's  allusion  to  the  thunder  cloud,  for  I 
never  saw  a  man  put  on  a  more  terrible  frown.  I  felt  matters 
were  going  too  far ;  and  was  determined  to  get  the  young  man 
from  his  concealment,  when  Pauline  ran  in,  and  shut  the  door  after 
her.  Then  the  cause  of  my  merriment  stood  revealed.  Seeing 
there  was  no  help  for  it,  he  walked  out  cooly  and  shook  hands 
with  his  friend.  I  was  now  very  earnest  to  explain,  and  to  do  the 
young  man  justice ;  he  was  willing  to  take  his  full  share  of  the 
joke.  Mr.  Benson  had  not  yet  been  seated,  and  I  feared  he 
would  leave  under  a  false  impression. 

Mr.  Karswell  thought  of  nothing  but  appeasing  Emily,  whom 
he  feared  he  had  offended,  He  sat  down  by  her  in  quite  too 
familiar  a  manner,  which  I  was  glad  to  see  she  instantly  resented. 
She  rose  from  her  chair,  and  though  her  countenance  was  very 
pale,  said,  "  your  friend  unintentionally  placed  us  all  in  a  very 
awkward  situation.  Please  excuse  it." 

I  looked  my  thanks  at  her,  and  we  resumed  our  seats.  Mr. 
Benson  turned  the  conversation  by  asking  Emily  if  she  were  fond 
of  riding  on  horseback. 

"  I  used  to  be  very  fond  of  it,"  she  replied,  "  but  I  have  not 
been  accustomed  to  the  exercise  of  late." 

He  asked  her  to  accompany  him  this  evening ;  with  a  heightened 
color  she  assented.  Mr.  Karswell-  at  length  rose  to  go,  and  Mr. 
Benson  soon  followed,  though  I  urged  him  to  stay. 


272  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOR. 

Saturday,  September  26th. 

Mr.  Karswell  was  called  home  the  very  day  after  his  unsuc 
cessful  attempt  to  conceal  himself.  I  was  not  at  all  sorry ;  and  I 
don't  believe  Mr.  Benson  mourns  very  much. 

Emily  came  in  this  morning  with  such  a  conscious  manner,  that 
I  knew  something  had  happened.  She  whispered  to  me  to  send 
Pauline  away  for  a  moment,  when  she  hid  her  face  in  my  neck 
and  whispered  "  Cora,  I  am  very  happy." 

I  was  curious  and  inquisitive ;  but  she  would  only  tell  me  a 
word,  and  that  with  a  great  deal  of  blushing.  It  seems  that 
yesterday  Mr.  Benson  called  when  mother  was  here  ;  and  after 
sitting  a  few  moments  perfectly  quiet,  while  she  was  engaged  with 
her  sewing,  he  took  a  seat  by  her  side,  and  taking  a  note  from  his 
pocket-book,  which  she  perceived  at  a  glance  was  the  one  she  had 
written  him  before  he  went  abroad,  he  said, "  Miss  Emily,  (it  was 
always  Miss  Lenox  before)  will  you  tell  me  with  your  usual 
frankness,  if  you  have  ever  regretted  more  than  the  manner  of 
your  decision  on  a  former  occasion  ?  " 

With  the  thought  of  all  the  suffering  caused  by  her  want  of 
frankness,  she  replied  nobly,  though  with  downcast  eyes,  "  I  have 
always  regretted  the  decision,  as  well  as  the  manner  of  it."  She 
says,  she  was  really  frightened  at  the  effect  her  words  had  upon 
him.  For  one  instant  he  pressed  her  hand  convulsively,  and  then 
walked  back  and  forth  through  the  room.  She  thought,  she  had . 
been  too  free  and  hasty  in  answering ;  and  a  hundred  other  con 
jectures  came  to  her  mind  ;  but  she  will  not  tell  how  they  were 
solved.  She  says,  if  I  am  so  curious,  I  must  apply  to  head  quar 
ters.  But  this  she  will  say,  that  she  is  satisfied,  and  very  happy. 

"  Well  then,"  I  said,  "  will  you  please  to  give  me  the  extract 
about  Mr.  Benson,  which  you  cut  out  of  aunt  Morgan's  paper  ? 
I  suppose  you  have  done  with  it." 

Emily  looked  very  rosy.  "  You  deserve  to  be  whipped,  Cora," 
she  said,  laughing  to  hide  her  vexation  at  my  discovery.  "  You 
must  look  out  how  you  behave  now,  for  I  have  a  champion  as 
well  as  you." 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

"  What  is  there  in  the  vale  of  life 
Half  so  delightful  as  a  wife ; 
When  friendship,  love  and  peace  combine 
To  stamp  the  marriage  bond  divine?  " 

COWPEE. 

Wednesday,  November  4th. 

EMILY  was  married  this  morning,  and  has  gone  to  Waverley. 
The  cottage  is  closed,  and  mother  will  spend  the  winter  with  us. 
Emily  and  I  have  had  our  first  quarrel,  on  the  question  who  shall 
have  mother.  I  think,  however,  though  she  will  make  visits  to 
Emily,  that  she  will  live  here,  because  this  has  for  so  long  a  time 
been  her  home. 

Tuesday,  November  10th. 

Mrs.  Benson  and  her  husband  have  changed  characters  since  1 
first  introduced  them  to  you.  Emily  is  very  frank  and  free  with 
her  husband ;  and  does  not  hesitate  to  show  him  that  she  loves 
him,  while  he  is  quite  reserved,  though  exceedingly  tender  in  his 
attachment  to  her.  She  is  perfectly  satisfied  that  he  has  given 
her  his  whole  heart,  and  a  very  warm  one. 

Crcsar  drove  mother,  Pauline,  Nelly  and  myself  over  to  th$ 
parsonage  this  afternoon.  I  could  hardly  realize  that  we  were 
not  at  the  cottage,  everything  looked  so  natural.  Perhaps  I  did 
not  tell  you  that  the  furniture  was  removed  from  that  place  to 


274  CORA  AND    THE   DOCTOK. 

their  new  home;  and  sister  has  been  very  anxious  to  make  it  look 
as  much  like  the  old  one  as  possible. 

Waverley  people  have  very  generously  presented  their  pastor 
with  a  handsome  buggy,  (he  already  owned  a  horse,)  that  he 
might  have  no  excuse  for  not  bringing  his  wife  when  he  comes  to 
see  them. 

There  are  nearly  two  acres  of  land  belonging  to  the  parsonage ; 
and  Mr.  Benson  has  promised  sister  a  fine  flower-garden  next 
summer. 

I  must  not  forget  to  tell  you  the  appropriate  gifts  they  have 
received  from  Mr.  Karswell's  family.  Enclosed  in  a  kind, 
fatherly  note  from  Mr.  Ivarswell,  Sen.,  was  a  bank-bill  of  one 
hundred  dollars  to  replenish  Mr.  Benson's  library,  with  an  addi 
tion  of  fifty  from  the  son  for  book-cases,  pleasantly  remarking, 
that  he  had  noticed  there  were  none  in  the  study.  A  large  box 
accompanied  the  note,  with  a  handsome  service  of  plate  for  the 
young  housekeeper.  The  latter  was  from  the  Misses  Ivarswell. 


CHAPTER    XXIX. 

"  Domestic  happiness,  thou  only  bliss  4 

Of  paradise,  that  hast  survived  the  fall !  " 

COVVTER. 

Friday,  August  Qih,  1844. 

SINCE  the  receipt  of  your  last  letter,  I  have  had  serious 
thoughts  of  taking  a  trip  to  England.  From  what  you  say  of 
father's  health,  I  fear  he  is  failing  fast,  and  my  heart  yearns  to 
see  him  once  more.  My  dear  husband  sympathizes  fully  with  me 
in  this  desire,  and  were  my  own  health  confirmed,  he  would  urge 
me  to  go ;  but  since  the  birth  of  my  little  Frank,  my  health  has 
been  very  delicate,  and  he  fears  the  voyage  with  the  children 
would  be  too  much  for  me.  He  did  once  suggest  my  leaving 
Pauline  and  Nelly,  and  taking  only  the  baby  with  Ann.  But  I 
was  decided  in  refusing  to  leave  them.  Franky  is  now  six 
months  old,  and  appears  to  be  a  very  healthy  child.  I  think,  he 
will  resemble  his  father  more  than  even  our  dear  little  Walter 
did.  Mother  Lenox  has  now  five  grand-children,  three  of  mine 
and  two  little  ones  at  the  parsonage.  The  Doctor  brought  the 
news  of  the  arrival  of  the  little  stranger  only  two  days  ago.  I 
.sent  Emily  word  this  morning,  that  the  baby  must  be  named  for 
me.  The  eldest  is  Susy,  or  Susan,  for  mother.  Mr.  Benson  is 
very  proud  of  his  babies,  and  thoroughly  appreciates  the  noble 
c'ualities  of  his  wife.  He  was  quite  pleased  this  morning  with  the 
n;imc,  I  had  proposed  for  the  little  one,  but  said,  he  always 
accorded  to  Emily  the  privilege  of  naming  her  babies. 


276  COKA  AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

Mother  lias  been  with  sister  since  June,  and  will  probably  remain 
until  cold  weather.  Frank  is  not  willing  to  have  her  away  in 
winter,  as  she  has  of  late  years  been  subject  to  a  cough.  I  wish 
sister  Nelly  could  now  see  Pauline.  The  de/ir  child  is  within  an 
inch  or  two  of  my  own  height,  and  was  eleven  years  of  age  last 
June.  Never  was  a  mother  blessed  with  a  more  dutiful  daughter. 
She  has  a  most  delightful  influence  over  her  sister,  and  indeed  in 
her  quiet  way  over  the  whole  household.  Phebe,  (who  has 
become  very  "  weighty,"  as  she  expresses  it,)  often  quotes  Miss 
^Pauline's  remarks  as  testimony  which  no  one  would  dare  to 
question.  A  few  days  since  she  went  to  the  village  on  an  errand 
In  company  with  Nelly,  and  on  her  return  I  saw  her  leading  a 
poor,  ragged,  dirty  child,  while  the  woman  whom  I  supposed  to 
be  the  mother  followed  a  few  steps  behind.  4 

Leaving  her  little  charge  at  the  kitchen  door,  she  flew  up  to 
her  room,  and  then  into  the  nursery  ;  "  mamma,"  said  she  in  an 
animated  tone,  "  are  you  willing  I  should  give  my  birth-day  money 
to  a  poor  little  girl  who  was  crying  in  the  street.  She  has  no 
clothes,  and  she  is  very  poor.  May  I,  mamma  ?  " 

1  arose  and  went  below  to  ascertain  the  cause  of  the  poor 
woman's  poverty.  Pauline  followed,  whispering,  "  Mamma,  I 
had  much  rather  give  my  five  dollars  to  her,  than  to  buy  the 
work-box,  because  my  old  one  is  very  good."  I  found  the  woman 
was  a  Canadian,  and  belonged  to  a  company  of  beggars,  who  go 
about  with  a  wagon,  once  every  year  or  two,  collecting  clothes  and 
money,  while  they  procure  their  daily  food  from  house  to  house. 
I  directed  Phebe  to  give  them  a  comfortable  meal,  but  was  sorry 
to  be  obliged  to  refuse  my  dear  Pauline  the  luxury  of  clothing  the 
destitute  child.  I  was  so  much  touched  by  witnessing  her  tears 
of  disappointment,  that  I  called  her  to  her  room,  and  selected  a 
calico  dress,  apron  and  shoes  from  her  wardrobe  and  allowed  her 
to  present  them  to  the  child.  She  hastily  thrust  her  purse  of 
money  into  my  hand,  and  ran  below,  where  beckoning  the  poor 
beggar  into  the  shed,  she  soon  transformed  her  into  a  neatly 


OR,  REVELATIONS   OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  277 

dressed  girl.  I  endeavored  fo  improve  this  opportunity  to  explain 
to  my  daughter  the  necessity  of  discrimination  between  the  really 
necessitous,  and  impostors.  It  was  very  hard  for  her  to  believe 
that  any  mother  could  be  so  depraved  as  to  permit  her  child  to 
appear  so  ragged  and  dirty  if  she  could  possibly  avoid  it. 

Saturday,  August  16th. 

During  school  hours  this  morning,  the  thought  of  the  Canadian 
girl  so  troubled  Pauline,  that  I  was  obliged  to  give  her  the  lesson 
to  review,  as  it  was  so  imperfectly  recited,  which  is  a  very 
unusual  event.  She  is  generally  very  prompt  in  her  recitations, 
und  already  is  a  proficient  in  music,  both  vocal  and  instrumental, 
for  which  she  has  a  fine  ear.  I  prophesy  that  she  will  by  and  by 
far  surpass  her  teacher. 

This  afternoon  I  was  reading  in  the  library,  when  she  came 
running  in  from  her  walk,  in  a  state  of  great  excitement.  "  Oh  ! 
mamma,"  said  she,  bursting  into  tears,  "  I  have  seen  the  little  girl 
again,  and  now  I'm  sure  she  has  a  bad  mother,  for  her  nice 
olothes  were  taken  off,  and  she  wore  the  same  dirty,  ragged  ones 
as  she  did  before.  I  don't  think,"  she  continued,  "  that  the  little 
girl  is  wicked,  because  she  hung  down  her  head  and  was  ashamed 
to  see  me  ;  but  her  mother  came  out  of  a  house  with  a  large 
Imndle  under  her  arm,  and  pulled  her  angrily  away."  As  I  saw 
this  had  made  a  great  impression  upon  Pauline's  mind,  I  deter 
mined  to  say  no  more  at  the  time,  but  take  her  with  me  more 
frequently  than  I  had  done  of  late  in  my  visits  to  the  poor  and 
distressed. 

Wednesday,  August  21st. 

The  Doctor  requested  me  this  morning  to  prepare  a  basket  of 
food  for  one  of  his  patients;  and  I  determined  to  take  Pauline 
with  me,  and  deliver  it  in  person  to  the  family.  I  knew  nothing 
of  their  circumstances,  only  their  name,  and  a  description  of  the 
small  house  which  they  occupy. 

Caesar  readily  found  the  place.     Mrs.  Fuller,  the  wife  of  the 
24 


278  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

sick  man,  was  washing  out  a  few  clothes  in  an  open  shed  back  of 
the  building,  while  two  children,  of  about  five  and  three  years  of 
age,  played  in  the  dirt  before  the  door.  The  eldest  stopped  her 
play  to  gaze  at  the  carriage  as  we  drove  up,  and  ran  to  call  her 
mother.  We  entered  the  dilapidated  building,  where  a  man  lay 
sick  of  a  fever.  He  was  moaning  sadly  when  we  entered,  and 
seemed  hardly  conscious  ;  but  his  wife  assured  us  he  was  so,  and 
that  he  kept  moaning  and  muttering  something  to  himself  all  the 
time. 

From  the  wife's  account  I  found  that  Mr.  Fuller,  at  the  time 
she  married  him,  was  a  mechanic  in  good  business,  and  that  they 
lived  comfortably  for  two  or  three  years^though  her  husband  did 
not  seem  happy  as  at  first.  He  gradually  grew  more  and  more 
idle,  neglected  his  business,  and  would  sit  moping  in  the  house 
from  morning  till  night. 

"  Was  he  intemperate  ?  "  I  inquired.  "  None  to  speak  of,"  she 
replied.  "  He  never  took  to  drink."  After  conversing  with  her 
for  a  short  time  at  the  door,  I  gave  her  the  basket  of  provisions, 
and  asked  her  if  she  were  at  present  in  special  need  of  anything. 
She  was  very  grateful,  and  said  the  Doctor  had  provided  all  that 
was  necessary,  and  I  took  my  leave,  promising  if  she  would  send 
for  it,  to  supply  her  with  milk  for  the  children. 

Friday,  August  30th. 

The  Doctor  says  Mr.  Fuller  is  much  worse,  and  that  he  has 
something  upon  his  mind  which  troubles  him.  He  is  not  at  all 
inclined  to  answer  questions,  but  to-day  when  Frank  went  silently 
in,  and  bent  over  him,  thinking  him  to  be  sleeping,  the  poor  fellow- 
said,  "  that 's  all  I  remember,  there  's  no  hurt  in  that,  and  if  there 
is,  I  'm  not  answerable,  'twas  nothing  to  me." 

Frank  put  his  fingers  upon  the  pulse,  when  the  sick  man 
turned  upon  him  with  a  terrible  oath,  and  said  wildly,  "  What  did 
you  hear  ?  I  said  nothing.  You  can't  take  me -up  for  that." 

Prank  soothed  him  by  saying  he  had  heard  nothing  of  conse- 


OK,  REVELATIONS   OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  279 

quence,  and  feeling  much  interested  for  the  sufferer,  who  appeared 
struggling  with  remorse  of  conscience  for  some  crime,  he  sat  long 
by  him,  endeavoring  to  point  him  to  the  Saviour,  who  can  deliver 
from  all  sin. 

Mr.  Fuller  listened  as  if  for  his  life,  and  muttered  two  or  three 
times,  "If  I  could  only  believe  it!  If  1  could  but  think  so!!" 
The  Doctor  prayed  with  him  before  he  left.  When  he  called 
Mrs.  Fuller  to  the  door,  and  related  to  her  what  he  had  heard, 
she  burst  into  tears,  and  told  him  that  for  years  past,  he  had  at 
times  said  over  and  over  the  same  words,  to  wiiich  she  could 
attach  no  meaning ;  but  she  clasped  her  hands  in  agony,  "  Oh, 
dear,  she  said,  "  I  am  afraid  he  has  been  guilty  of  some  dreadful 
crime,  and  that 's  what  harrows  him  up  so ! " 

"  The  cause  is  conscience ;  —  Conscience  oft 

Her  tale  of  guilt  renews ! 
Her  voice  is  terrible,  though  soft, 
And  dread  of  death  ensues." 


CHAPTEE   XXX. 

"  For  God  unfolds,  by  slow  degrees, 
The  purport  of  his  deep  decrees : 
Sheds  every  hour  a  clearer  light 
In  aid  of  our  defective  sight ; 
And  spreads,  at  length,  before  the  soul 
A  beautiful  and  perfect  whole, 
Which  busy  man's  inventive  brain 
Toils  to  anticipate  in  vain."  COWPER. 

Wednesday,  September  4:th. 

How  true  is  the  old  adage,  "  Murder  will  out."  It  has  cer 
tainly  been  verified  in  our  village.  But  I  will  not  anticipate.  It 
was  hardly  light  this  morning,  when  the  Doctor  was  summoned 
from  bed  to  Mr.  Fuller,  who  was  dying,  and  had  been  calling  for 
Dr.  Lenox  all  night.  At  length,  he  became  very  urgent,  and 
said,  he  could  not  die  in  peace  till  he  had  confessed  the  great 
sin  that  troubled  his  conscience.  I  waited  with  no  little  im 
patience  for  Frank's  return ;  but  nine  o'clock  came  and  there 
had  only  been  a  messenger  for  Caesar  to  drive  the  buggy  to  the 
office. 

It  was  long  past  the  usual  dinner  hour  when  Frank  returned. 
When  he  did  so,  I  saw  that  something  very  unusual  had  taken 
place,  for  he  hardly  spoke,  but  frequently  ceased  eating,  though  he 
had  taken  no  breakfast,  and  sat  resting  his  head  upon  his  hand. 

Leaving  the  dining-room  hurriedly,  he  said,  "  Cora,  will  you 
come  to  me  in  the  library  as  soon  as  possible."  I  left  Pauline 


REVELATIONS   OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   "WIFE.  281 

with  the  little  ones  in  the  nursery,  and  followed  him  directly. 
He  silently  beckoned  me  to  a  seat  near  him,  when  he  related  as 
follows  the  scenes  of  the  morning. 

"  Cora,  do  you  remember  the  account  I  gave  you  years  ago,  of 
the  setting  up  of  the  will  of  Joseph  Lee,  before  the  Probate 
'Court?" 

«  Perfectly,"  I  replied. 

"  Well,  Fuller,  who  died  this  morning,  was  a  witness,  who  testi 
fied  that  the  business  transacted  by  the  lawyer,  was  merely  a  deed 
of  gift  to  a  poor  widow.  By  his  dying  confession,  however,  he 
has  unfolded  a  horrid  plot  of  villany.  Squire  Lee  at  that  very 
time  made  a  second  will,  which  no  doubt  was  in  Lucy's  favor. 
He  did  indeed  convey  away  the  cottage  at  the  same  interview ; 
but  that  was  only  a  secondary  part  of  the  business."  I  sprang  to 
my  feet,  and  clapped  my  hands  in  an  ecstasy. 

"  But  what  possible  motive  could  he  have  had  for  perjuring 
himself?  "  I  asked  eagerly. 

"  He  was  hired  to  do  so  by  the  lawyer.  I  immediately  sent  a 
neighbor  who  was  watching  with  my  patient  to  a  magistrate,  and 
he  took  down  the  poor  man's  confession,  together  with  many  cir- 
cumcumstances  relating  to  the  subject  which  will  throw  light  on 
the  villany.  A  writ  was  at  once  made  out  and  served  upon  Joseph 
Lee  and  Oscar  Colby,  for  conspiracy,  and  before  nine  o'clock,  they 
were  before  the  justice,  by  whom  they  were  committed  to  jail  to 
await  their  trial  at  the  next  term  of  the  Criminal  Court." 

When  the  sheriff  went  to  arrest  them,  Joseph  was  sleeping  off 
the  effects  of  his  intoxication  ;  and  when  dragged  from  his  bed, 
and  made  to  understand  that  he  was  arrested,  he  swore  and  raved 
so  shockingly,  that  the  sheriff  told  him,  he  would  put  him  in  irons 
if  he  was  not  quiet.  Mr.  Colby  was  different ;  he  looked  ghastly 
pale,  while  his  eyes  rolled  from  side  to  side;  but  he  made  no 
resistance. 

Poor  Lucy !  Little  reason  as  she  has  to  love  her  brother,  this 
will  be  a  terrible  blow  to  her  affectionate  heart.  Although  Joseph 

24* 


282  CORA  AND    THE  DOCTOR; 

has  been  living  at  the  Hall  since  last  spring,  yet  he  has  never 
taken  the  least  notice  of  her  or  her  family,  and  even  seems  to  have 
forgotten  that  he  has  a  sister.  The  dear  girl  thought  all  her 
trials  were  over,  she  has  been  so  contented  and  happy  with  her 
little  family.  She  has  a  beautiful  pair  of  twin  boys.  Emily  is 
six  years  old.  Frank  says,  it  was  a  painful  duty  to  inform  her  of 
the  arrest  of  her  brother,  which  he  did  this  morning. 

He  was  very  much  affected  by  her  first  words  after  he  had  told 
her  of  Mr.  Fuller's  confession.  "Then  my  dear  father  did 
remember  me ; "  and  she  burst  into  tears. 

Thursday,  September  5th. 

Allen  Mansfield  called  here  this  morning  to  consult  with,  the 
Doctor,  after  having  in  vain  sought  him  at  the  office.  Nothing 
for  years  has  caused  such  an  excitement  in  the  town ;  and 
corroborative  testimony  is  constantly  related  by  one  and  another, 
as  to  the  certainty  of  a  will.  But  where  is  it  ?  That  it  was 
destroyed  at  the  time  is  the  current  opinion.  The  vile  character 
of  the  prisoners  —  the  virtue  of  young  Mansfield's  family  —  the 
probable  result  of  the  trial  —  the  length  of  imprisonment  for  such 
crimes  —  the  motives  which  influenced  Mr.  Colby  to  such  an  act, 
are  the  universal  themes  of  conversation. 

Groups  of  men  stand  in  the  streets  discussing  the  latest  intel 
ligence  of  the  affair,  while  Lucy  and  her  husband  from  being 
among  the  most  quiet  citizens  of  the  place  have  been  suddenly 
transformed  into  the  lions  of  the  day.  Their  every  word  and  look 
is  eagerly  repeated  from  one  to  another.  One  benefit  has  already 
resulted  from  all  this.  Public  attention  and  sympathy  have  been 
turned  to  the  family  of  widow  Fuller,  and  she  has  help  flowing  in 
from  all  quarters.  In  return,  she  has  only  to  repeat  some  two  or 
three  dozen  times  a  day  the  sad  confession  of  her  husband's  crime. 
"  I  had  it  from  the  lips  of  the  widow,"  is  enough  to  draw  a  crowd 
of  listeners  eager  for  something  to  fan  their  already  over-excited 
imaginations. 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  283 

Even  the  Doctor  is  not  without  his  share  of  attention,  from 
being  the  one  to  whom  the  confession  was  originally  made,  and 
from  being  a  particular  friend  of  the  Mansfields. 

•vft 

Monday,  September  Qth. 

The  excitement  in  town  is  constantly  on  the  increase.  Poor 
Lucy  is  almost  as  much  a  prisoner  as  her  brother.  She  was  rid 
ing  out  with  her  children  a  day  or  two  since,  when  some  one 
shouted,  "  there  goes  Mrs.  Mansfield,  sister  to  the  prisoner,"  and 
a  whole  posse  of  boys  ran  shouting  after  the  carriage.  Such 
notoriety  is  by  no  means  pleasing  to  her,  and  she  is  determined  to 
avoid  it  in  future.  Mr.  Willard,  the  District  Attorney,  who  will 
manage  the  case  for  Allen,  in  behalf  of  the  government,  has 
grown  very  fast  in  public  esteem  for  a  few  years,  and  is  considered 
an  uncommonly  shrewd  lawyer  and  an  excellent  advocate.  Re 
port  says  that  Joseph  has  secured  the  services  of  an  able  and  far 
famed  lawyer  from  the  city,  and  means  to  spare  no  expense  to 
procure  his  acquittal  at  the  coming  trial,  which  does  not  take  place 
until  the  fore-part  of  November.  Mr.  Willard,  being  on  the  spot, 
lias  every  advantage  of  circumstantial  testimony.  He  has  already 
obtained  a  warrant  to  search  the  premises,  and  in  company  with 
;i  man  appointed  keeper  by  the  sheriff,  who  served  a  writ  attach 
ing  the  whole  for  damages  in  behalf  of  Allen,  went  from  room 
to  room,  examining  every  private  drawer,  desk,  shelf,  or  crevice 
where  such  a  document  could  be  secreted.  But  it  was  all  in  vain ; 
yet  a  more  thorough  search  will  be  made  to-morrow. 

Joseph  is  in  ashocking  condition,  caused  by  the  involuntary  and 
?udden  cessation  of  his  excess  in  drinking.  His  eyes  seem  ready 
to  start  from  their  sockets  ;  and  he  is  so  violent  in  -his  demands 
for  brandy,  and  so  furious  because  he  cannot  obtain  it  that  the 
jailor  has  been  obliged  to  put  him  in  irons.  Mr.  Colby  is  in  a 
dreadful  state  of  nervous  excitement,  and  walks  from  morning  till 
night  back  and  forth  in  the  small  cell  where  he  is  confined.  Upon 
one  or  two  occasions,  when  Mr.  Willard,  in  company  with  a 


284  CORA  AND   THE  DOCTOR; 

sheriff,  visited  him,  he  would  not  deign  a  reply  to  any  question 
they  put  to  him. 

Tuesday,  September  10th. 

Nothing  whatever  was  found  reflecting  light  upon  this  dark 
plot,  on  the  most  rigid  examination  of  the  whole  premises.  While 
Allen  was  there,  a  messenger  came  from  the  jailer  to  the  sheriff 
for  some  clothes  for  Mr.  Colby,  who  complained  of  the  dampness 
of  his  cell. 

The  sheriff  proceeded  to  the  room  which  had  been  occupied  by 
him,  where  various  articles  of  apparel  were  thrown  upon  the 
chairs  and  around  the  room  just  as  he  left  them  the  night  pi'evious 
to  his  arrest.  Having  fully  examined  a  dressing  gown  and  cloak, 
and  ascertained  that  nothing  was  concealed  in  them,  he  gave  them 
to  the  messenger. 

Friday,  September  20(h. 

Nothing  of  importance  has  transpired  to  throw  light  upon  the 
all-engrossing  topic.  A  slight  suspicion  was  awakened  in  the 
mind  of  Mr.  Willard  by  the  increasing  demand  for  clothes  by 
Mr.  Colby,  and  Hon.  Mr.  Mai'ohall,  the  Attorney  General,  spe 
cially  retained,  gave  orders  that  no  more  be  sent  him.  Upon  a 
re-examinatioa  of  every  article  of  apparel  in  his  room  and  ward 
robe  at  the  Hall,  he  has  found  nothing  to  justify  such  a  suspicion. 

But  he  is  ever  on  the  alert,  and  determined,  if  possible,  to 
ferret  out  all  the  iniquitous  proceedings.  The  daily  papers  are 
full  of  the  most  exaggerated  accounts  of  these  transactions,  report 
of  which  has  spread  the  excitement  through  the  country. 

Persons  may  be  seen  at  all  hours  of  the  day  walking  past  Lee 
Hall,  wondering  what  room  the  prisoners  occupied  before  their 
arrest,  where  the  keeper  remains,  and  making  inquiries  on  these 
and  a  thousand  other  points  of  those  of  the  neighbors  and  inhabi 
tants  whom  they  happen  to  meet. 

Tuesday,  November  5th. 

Half  past  seven  o'clock,  A.  M.     The  all-important  day  has  at 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  285 

length  arrived.  Even  at  this  early  hour  carriage  after  carriage 
from  the  adjoining  towns  rolls  by  toward  the  court  House.  Men 
and  women  are  seen  hurrying  in  the  same  direction,  all  eager  to 
gain  admission  to  the  court  room.  For  many  years,  no  case  has 
excited  such  deep  and  universal  interest.  The  vast  estate 
involved  —  the  great  respect  for  the  family  of  Mr.  Mansfield  — 
the  daring  plot  of  Joseph  and  Colby  —  the  horrible  cruelty  of  tho 
former  toward  his  sister,  driving  her  from  the  home  of  her  child 
hood,  have  raised  the  excitement  to  the  highest  pitch.  My  hand 
trembles,  and  my  heart  goes  "pit-a-pat"  as  J  think  of  being 
present  at  the  trial.  The  Doctor  has  kindly  procured  a  permit 
for  me  to  be  there  as  a  companion  of  Lucy,  whose  heart,  poor 
girl,  is-  ready  to  faint  within  her.  I  shall  endeavor  to  take  notes 
that  I  may  give  you  and  father  an  account  of  an  American  trial. 

Thursday,  November  7th. 

On  Tuesday  morning,  at  half  past  eight,  the  Doctor  came  for 
me  to  go  to  the  court.  My  hands  were  numb  from  excitement, 
and  for  a  moment  I  felt  inclined  to  remain  at  home ;  but  summon 
ing  all  my  resolution,  1  stepped  into  the  carriage,  when  Caesar 
drove  to  Mr.  Mansfield's,  took  in  Lucy,  who  looked  more  as  if  she 
were  to  be  tried  as  a  criminal,  than  as  if  she  were  about  to  inherit 
an  estate  worth  a  million  of  dollars. 

When  the  Doctor  assisted  us  from  the  carriage,  and  I  witnessed 
the  immense  crowd  standing  around  the  ponderous  doors  of  the 
court-room,  my  limbs  trembled  beneath  me,  and  I  clung  convul 
sively  to  my  husband's  arm.  • 

«•  All  filled,  up  two  hours  ago  ! "  —  "  No  room  !  "  —  "  You  can't 
get  in  !  "  were  shouted  by  men  and  boys  on  every  side.  Even  the 
constables  standing  with  a  pole  at  the  foot  of  the  stairs  told  us,  we 
could  not  proceed.  But  the  Doctor  paid  no  sort  of  heed  to  all 
this.  With  the  air  and  bearing  of  a  Lenox,  he  walked  majestically 
on,  merely  bowing  to  the  officer  and  pronouncing  the  word  «  wit 
ness  ; "  when  he  stood  one  side  to  allow  us  to  pass  and  to  get 


286  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

through  the  crowd  as  best  we  could.  I  can  hardly  tell  you  how 
we  were  able  to  make  our  way  up  the  stone  steps  to  the  room 
above.  Sometimes  the  Doctor  was  recognized.  At  others,  Lucy's 
pale  face  caused  the  eager  crowd  to  stand  yet  a  little  closer  and  to 
allow  us  to  press  along. 

At  the  inner  door,  near  the  head  of  the  stairs,  stood  a  sheriff, 
who  on  recognizing  the  Doctor  opened  the  door,  and  we  stood 
within  the  room.  Another  deputy  sheriff  came  forward  and  gave 
us  a  seat  with  the  witnesses.  Here  my  husband  pointed  out  to 
me  the  seats  of  the  judge,  and  the  jury,  the  boxes  for  the  crimi 
nals  and  the  other  parts  of  this  temple  of  justice. 

I  will  describe  them  to  you.  The  Court-room  is  large;  I 
should  judge,  about  fifty  feet  by  sixty.  On  one  end  of  the  Hall 
is  a  raised  platform  called  the  bench,  and  occupied  by  the  Judges, 
with  private  entrances  on  each  side  for  the  convenience  of  the 
court.  In  front  of  the  bench  and  on  an  elevation  about  half  as 
high,  is  a  space  enclosed  with  a  railing  within  which  are  tables  for 
the  Clerk,  District  Attorney  and  Attorney  General.  Before  this 
railing  is  a  table  for  the  reporters,  at  which  are  seated  a  goodly 
number  with  pen  in  hand,  eager  to  catch  every  word  of  this 
terrible  trial,  and  to  send  the  report  thereof  by  the  dailies  and  by 
bulletins  all  over  the  country. 

Running  along  on  each  side  of  the  room  are  three  banks  of 
seats,  resembling  long  slips  or  pews,  and  occupied  by  the  witnesses 
and  jury.  A  walk  or  aisle  runs  along  at  the  foot  of  these  seats. 
The  large  open  area  in  front  of  the  reporters  and  of  this  aisle, 
is  circled  with  a  railing  within  which  are  seats  and  small  desks 
for  members  of  the  bar.  Just  beyond  the  railing  and  opposite  to 
.the  Judge  are  boxes  for  the  criminals  with  sharp  iron  pickets  on 
the  top.  All  the  rest  of  the  unoccupied  space  was  crowded  on 
this  occasion  with  a  dense  mass  of  spectators,  some  of  whom  had 
been  standing  ever  since  the  opening  of  the  Court-room. — 
Over  the  end  of  the  Hall  was  a  gallery  densely  crowded. 
One  by  one,  the  Jurors,  Clerk,  Lawyers,  District  Attorney, 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.,  287 

Attorney  General  and  Judge  entered  and  took  their  seats.  As 
the  large  clock  in  the  room  struck  nine,  officers  appeared  leading 
in  the  prisoners. 

I  was  obliged  to  put  my  arm  around  my  distressed  friend.  She 
looked  ready  to  faint;  but  holding  strong  volatile  salts  to  her 
nose,  she  endeavored  to  control  her  feelings.  Frank  and  myself 
regretted  extremely  that  the  Attorney  General  thought  it  necessary 
to  summon  her  as  a  witness. 

The  court  opened.  The  Clerk  read  the  Docket,  from  which  it 
appeared  that  the  Grand  Jury  had  found  three  bills  against  the 
prisoners  at  the  bar;  for  conspiracy  in  obtaining  property  under 
false  pretences  —  for  wilful  perjury  —  and  for  fraud. 

On  motion  of  the  Attorney  General,  it  was  ordered  that  they 
should  be  tried  upon  the  first  of  these,  as  it  related  to  the  primary, 
and  principal  crime.  The  Clerk  called  upon  the  prisoners  to 
arise  and  attend  to  the  indictment  on  which  they  were  arraigned. 

"  COMMONWEALTH    OF    MASSACHUSETTS. 

"  County  of- .     At    the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  begun    and 

holden   in   Crawford,   within  the    County  of ,  on  the  first 

Monday,  being  the  fourth  day  of  November,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-four. 

"  The  Grand  Jurors  for  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts, 
upon  their  oath  present  that  Joseph  Lee,  and  Oscar  Colby,  gentle 
men,  of  the  town  of  Crawford,  in  the  county  of ,  not  having 

the  fear  of  God  before  their  eyes,  and  being  moved  by  an  evil 
heart,  and  seduced  by  the  instigations  of  the  devil,  on  or  about 
the  first  day  of  November,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  thirty-seven,  in  the  town,  county  and  common 
wealth  aforesaid,  did  wilfully  and  maliciously  conspire  together  to 
secrete  or  destroy  the  last  will  and  testament  of  one  Joseph  Lee 
deceased,  of  said  town,  county  and  commonwealth  aforesaid.  And 
did  thereby  feloniously  and  wilfully  arrest  the  course  of  justice  in 
the  settlement  of  the  estate  of  the  deceased  Joseph  Lee,  by 


288  CORA  AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

setting  up,  and  subsequently  executing  as  his  last  will  and  testa 
ment,  a  will  prior  to  his  last,  and  thereby  defrauding  his  legal  heir 
or  heirs,  and  so  the  Jurors  upon  their  oath  aforesaid  do  say  that 
the  said  Joseph  Lee,  and  Oscar  Colby  then  and  there,  in  the 
manner  aforesaid,  did  commit  the  crime  of  conspiracy  as  afore 
said,  against  the  peace  of  the  Commonwealth  aforesaid,  and  the 
laws  in  such  cases  made  and  provided. 

A  trite  bill. 

James  Frothingham,  Foreman. 

John  Marshall,  Attorney  General. 

To  this  indictment  the  prisoners  plead  "  not  guilty"  The  Clerk 
then  proceeded  to  impanel  the  jury. 

Moses  Willard,  District  Attorney,  appeared  and  took  his  seat. 
The  counsellors  for  the  defendants  were  Edgar  Burke,  and 
Sylvanus  Curtiss. 

Clerk  of  the  Court.  "  Gentlemen  of  the  Jury,  hearken  to  the 
indictment  found  against  Joseph  Lee.  and  Oscar  Colby." 

Plere  the  Clerk  read  the  indictment  to  the  Jury,  when  he  con 
tinued  :  "  To  this .  indictment,  the  defendants  have  plead  not 
guilty,  and  have  put  themselves  on  the  country,  which  country 
you  are,  and  you  are  now  sworn  to  try  the  issue. 

District  Attorney.  "You  perceive,  Gentlemen  of  the  Jury,  by 
the  indictment,  that  has  been  read  to  you  that  Joseph  Lee  and  Oscar 
Colby  are  charged  by  the  Grand  Jury  of  the  body  of  this  county 
with  conspiracy  to  defraud,  a  crime  punishable  with  the  severest 
penalties  of  the  law,  and  alleged  by  the  indictment  to  have  been 
committed  by  them  feloniously,  wilfully  and  maliciously.  I  need 
not  portray  to  you  the  sad  consequences  which  have  already 
resulted  from  this  villany. 

"  We  intend  to  prove  that  the  prisoners  at  the  bar  did  at  the 
time  and  place  specified  in  the  indictment,  conspire  together  to 
destroy  the  last  will  and  testament  of  one  Joseph  Lee  deceased, 
and  to  set  up  as  his  last  will  and  testament,  a  will  prior  to  his  last, 
and  did  thereby  deprive  his  dutiful  daughter  of  her  patrimony,  — 


OK,   REVELATIONS    OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  289 

a  daughter  who  had  for  years  administered  to  her  sick  father's 
necessities,  smoothing  by  her  affectionate  care  his  passage  to  the 
grave ;  and  that  they  drove  her  from  the  home  of  her  childhood 
and  youth  on  the  very  eve  of  her  deceased  father's  burial,  render 
ing  her  houseless,  and  shelterless,  but  for  the  protecting  arm  of 
her  newly  wedded  companion. 

"  We  intend  to  prove  the  sad  consequences  of  this  crime  to  the 
prisoners  themselves." 

Mr.  Curtiss.  "  Your  Honor,  1  must  object  to  this  appeal  to 
personal  sympathy,  and  personal  prejudice." 

District  Attorney.  "  Your  Honor,  I  beg  not  to  be  interrupted. 
I  was  only  stating  what  the  prosecution  intend  to  prove.  I  was 
specifying  the  consequences  of  crime  to  the  prisoners  at  the  bar ; 
but  I  forbear.  The  bloated  face,  and  blood-shot  eyes  of  the  one, 
and  the  ghastly  pallor  of  the  other,  speak  far  more  than  any  words 
I  could  utter. 

"  Gentlemen  of  the  Jury,  I  have  no  need  to  caution  you  against 
participating  in  the  popular  indignation  at  this  crime,  or  not  to 
fear  the  consequences  of  a  faithful  discharge  of  your  whole  duty. 
Your  oath  requires  you  to  decide  the  question  of  the  guilt  or 
innocence  of  the  prisoners  according  to  law  and  evidence. 

"  The  indictment  charges  them  with  Conspiracy.  But,  gentle 
men,  I  will  not  detain  you  farther,  except  to  cite  authorities 
respecting  the  nature  of  this  crime,  the  laws  and  penalties  pertain 
ing  thereunto,  and  also  to  remark  on  the  confidence  to  be  placed  in 
the  confession  of  a  dying  man,  which  will  soon  be  submitted  to  you." 

He  then  proceeded  to  read  from  Eoscoe  on  Criminal  evidence, 
Chitty's  Criminal  Law,  Archbold,  etc.,  etc.  After  which,  he 
concluded  by  saying,  "  This  charge  we  expect  to  prove  by  the 
confession  of  Hugh  Fuller  on  his  death  bed,  where  we  naturally 
expect  the  utmost  sincerity,  and  Avhere  there  could  be  no 
motive  for  self-accusation,  and  a  confession  of  that  which  must 
forever  tarnish  the  fair  fame  of  the  confessor,  —  no  motive  falsely 
to  criminate  his  fellow  men.  His  testimony  is  entitled  to  the 

25 


290  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

highest  consideration,  supported  as  it  will  be  by  an  array  of  cir 
cumstantial  evidence,  amounting  almost  to  a  moral  demonstration/' 
He  then  called  George  Wilson,  Justice  of  the  peace,  who  after 
being  sworn  read  the  Affidavit,  as  he  took  it  from  the  lips  of  the 
dying  man. 

AFFIDAVIT. 

"  COMMONWEALTH   OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

"  County  of ss.  Hugh  Fuller  of  Crawford,  in  said  county, 

yeoman,  personally  before  me,  and  lying  upon  his  death-bed,  on 
oath  declared  that  he  affixed  his  name  as  witness  to  the  last  will 
and  testament  of  the  late  Joseph  Lee  of  said  town  and  county, 
then  lying  on  his  death-bed,  on  the  twenty-third  of  October,  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty-seven.  And  also  at  the  same 
time  and  place  affixed  his  signature  to  a  deed  by  the  said  Joseph 
Lee,  conveying  property  from  him  to  widow  Churchill. 

"And  the  deponent  farther  declares,  that  the  other  witnesses  of 
these  documents  were  Oscar  Colby,  and  Edward  Stone. 

"  The  deponent  also  solemnly  declares  that  the  papers  were 
then  delivered  by  said  Joseph  Lee  to  said  Oscar  Colby  with 
instructions  that  the  first  document  should  be  retained  by  him, 
Oscar  Colby,  until  after  the  testator's  decease,  and  that  the  second 
should  be  immediately  conveyed  by  said  Colby  to  the  aforesaid 
Widow  Churchill. 

"  The  deponent  still  farther  declares  that  the  said  Oscar  Colby 
enjoined  upon  him  and  Edward  Stone,  now  deceased,  profound 
secrecy  in  respect  to  the  first  of  these  transactions;  and  that 
immediately  upon  the  death  of  the  late  Joseph  Lee,  the  said  Colby 
came  to  him  renewing  the  injunction  with  a  proffer  of  money,  as 
reward  for  so  doing ;  and  that  both  he  and  Joseph  Lee,  son  of 
the  deceased  Joseph  Lee,  subsequently  came  to  him  to  instruct 
him  how  to  appear,  and  what  to  say,  if  cited  before  the  Probate 
Court ;  and  at  the  same  time  paid  him  certain  sums  of  money  in 
consideration  of  his  maintaining  such  secrecy. 

"And  the  deponent  also  declares  that  his  abetting  of  this  crime 


OR,  REVELATIONS   OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  291 

has  ever  since  lain  heavily  upon  his  conscience,  and  has  at  times 
harrowed  his  soul  with  the  most  dreadful  remorse  ;  and  that  he 
cannot  die  in  peace  until  he  has  made  a  frank,  and  full  confession 
of  this  sin,  and  implored  forgiveness  of  God,  and  his  fellow  men ; 
more  particularly  of  those  whom  he  has  thus  injured. 

"All  this,  the  deponent  declares  to  be  true  in  the  presence  of 
that  God  before  whom  he  expects  in  a  few  moments  to  appear ; 
and  the  same  was  subscribed  and  sworn  to  on  this  fourth  day  of 
September,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred 
and  forty-four. 
,  [  HUGH  FULLER. 

"  Before  me,  George  Wilson,  Justice  of  the  peace. 

In  the  presence  of   1 

Frank  Lenox, 

Martha  Fuller,          ^  Witnesses. 

Phebe  Andrews, 

Benjamin  Hardy,    J 

Crawford,  September  £th,  1844." 

In  corroboration  of- this  testimony,  the  following  witnesses  were 
called  and  sworn : 

Frank  Lenox,  Allen  Mansfield,  Lucy  Lee  Mansfield,  Susan 
Burns,  Jacob  Strong,  who  bore  testimony  similar  to  that  given  by 
them  before  the  Probate  Court,  and  showing  the  oft  declared  in 
tention  of  the  late  Joseph  Lee  to  revoke  his  first  will,  and  to  make 
a  second. 

They  also  testified  that  up  to  the  time  of  the  alleged  crime,  the 
prisoners  were  comparative  strangers,  and  that  from  that  period, 
they  had  been  leagued  together  in  the  closest  alliance ;  first  in  the 
house  of  the  late  Joseph  Lee  immediately  after  his  funeral,  then 
in  the  execution  of  the  will,  and  subsequently  in  a  voyage  to 
Europe,  from  which  they  lately  returned  together  after  an  absence 
of  some  years  ;  and  finally  that  they  were  together  up  to  the  time 
of  their  arrest. 

To  reveal  the  nature  of  their  intercourse  when  together,  Jacob 
Strong,  steward  of  the  late  Joseph  Lee,  testified,  that  on  the 


292  CORA   AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

evening  after  the  funeral  of  his  master,  his  son  Joseph,  and 
Lawyer  Colby  were  together  in  the  back  parlor  of  his  master's 
residence,  where  they  called  for  wines,  brandy  and  cigars,  and 
where  they  spent  most  of  the  night  in  drunkenness. 

And  he  farther  testified  that  at  sundry  times  during  the  suc 
ceeding  month,  he  had  been  often  awaked  at  late  hours  of  the 
night,  by  their  midnight  carousals ;  and  alarmed  by  their  abuse 
of  each  other.  And  that  he  had  often  interposed  to  separate  and 
quiet  them. 

Here  the  prosecution  closed  the  presentation  of  the  case  in  be 
half  of  the  government,  reserving  the  right  to  introduce  rebutting 
testimony. 

It  being  past  twelve  o'clock,  the  court  adjourned  till  two  P.  M. 

Two  o'clock,  P.  M.  Tuesday  afternoon.  The  Court  met  pur 
suant  to  adjournment. 

The  defence  opened.  Mr.  Curtiss  arose.  "  May  it  please  your 
Honor,  and  you,  Gentlemen  of  the  Jury,  I  arise  under  no  small 
embarrassment  to  plead  the  cause  of  my  clients  in  this  important 
trial,  —  an  embarrassment  which  arises  from  the  overwhelming 
tide  of  public  indignation,  which  in  its  mighty  current,  and 
irresistible  force  threatens  to  carry  away  every  barrier  of  public 
justice,  and  public  safety. 

"  Upon  the  alleged  confession  of  Hugh  Fuller  this  tide  deluged 
the  surrounding  country,  as  when  the  dam  of  a  great  river  is 
carried  away,  and  the  pent  up  waters  are  let  loose,  bearing  down 
all  before  them. 

"  We,  Witnesses,  Counsellors,  and  Jurors  are  in  no  small  danger 
of  being  carried  away  as  float-wood  whither  the  mighty  torrent 
shall  bear  us. 

"  I  cannot  resist  the  conviction  that  the  District  Attorney,  by 
his  quick  sympathies,  has  so  far  participated  in  this  popular  feel 
ing,  that  he  has  not  in  this  case  sustained  his  deservedly  high 
reputation  for  equity,  and  impartiality.  My  great  esteem  for  him 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OP  A   PHYSICIAN'S   -WIFE.  293 

as  an  ad?ocate  led  me  to  expect  that  he  would  devote  to  this  ex 
citing  trial,  his  characteristic  calmness,  and  discrimination,  that  he 
would  carefully  weigh  the  evidence,  and  avoid  all  appeals  to 
passion  or  prejudice.  Judge  then  of  my  surprise  that  in  the  very 
beginning  of  his  speech,  he  should  appeal  to  your  sympathy  in 
behalf  of  the  daughter  of  the  late  Joseph  Lee. 

"  Gentlemen  of  the  Jury,  you  are  here  for  the  exercise,  not  of 
sympathy,  but  of  justice.  And  my  astonishment  was  increased 
by  his  attempt  to  awaken  your  prejudices  against  my  clients,  by 
reference  to  any  peculiarities  in  their  personal  appearance.  "What 
honest  citizen ;  nay,  what  one  of  you  could  be  suddenly  dragged 
from  your  bed  at  night,  and  committed  to  prison  on  such  a  charge ; 
be  brought  from  your  cell  handcuffed  and  strongly  guarded,  and 
here  locked  up  in  the  felon's  box  in  the  presence  of  so  large  and 
respectable  an  assembly  of  your  fellow  citizens  without  some 
emotion  blanching  your  countenance,  or  flushing  it  with  indigna 
tion. 

"  But  my  astonishment  reached  its  highest  pitch,  when  having 
waited  hour  after  hour  in  painful  expectation  of  that  circumstantial 
testimony,  which  was  to  amount  to  "  a  moral  demonstration  "  of 
my  clients'  guilt,  and  waiving  in  apprehension  of  it  my  right  to 
cross  examine  his  witnesses,  I  heard  him  acknowledge  to  the 
court  that  the  evidence  for  the  prosecution  was  in,  and  the  case 
was  submitted  to  the  defence. 

"  His  citations  from  legal  authors,  and  his  exposition  of  the 
laws  pertaining  to  the  crime  for  which  my  clients  are  arraigned 
meet  my  most  cordial  approbation,  and  supersede  the  necessity  of 
any  additional  comments  on  the  part  of  the  defence.  Of  the 
three  crimes  charged  in  these  indictments,  the  two  latter  are 
subordinate  to,  and  dependent  on  the  first.  If  there  was  no 
conspiracy,  there  surely  could  have  been  no  wilful  perjury,  no 
suborning  of  witnesses  in  pursuance  of  that  conspiracy. 

"  Setting  aside  the  confession,  what  proof  has  been  adduced  to 
support  the  charge  of  conspiracy  ?  None  that  would  justify  any 

25* 


294  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

honest  citizen  in  cherishing  a  suspicion  of  his  neighbor ;  none 
that  would  not  blast  the  fairest  character  as  with  the  breath  of 
calumny.  Your  verdict,  if  you  find  my  clients  guilty,  must 
depend  almost  entirely  upon  the  credibility  of  a  deceased  witness, 
upon  the  affidavit  of  Hugh  Fuller. 

"  The  authorities  already  submitted  to  you  by  my  legal  friend, 
teach  you  that  the  testimony  of  a  dying  man  should  be  received, 
if  at  all,  with  great  caution.  At  best  it  is  only  hearsay  evidence, 
and  this  is  almost  the  only  form  of  that  species  of  testimony  which 
is  admissible  at  the  bar.  Before  you  attach  to  it  any  importance, 
you  are  bound  to  know  that  the  witness  at  the  date  of  the  affida 
vit  was  in  a  sound  mind,  free  from  intellectual  aberrations,  and 
from  bias  of  judgment. 

"  Has  the  prosecution  relieved  your  minds  from  all  doubt  on 
these  points  ?  Nay,  gentlemen.  It  has  submitted  no  substantial 
proof  of  even  the  sanity  of  that  witness.  I  am  now  prepared  to 
prove  by  testimony  clear  and  abundant  that  this  affidavit  contains 
nothing  more  than  the  hallucination  of  an  insane  man.  This 
being  established,  I  shall  submit  the  case,  after  the  argument  of 
my  associate,  for  your  decision." 

During  the  speech  of  Mr.  Curtiss,  the  vast  audience  hung  in 
breathless  silence  upon  his  lips  ;  and  when  he  resumed  his  seat, 
it  was  very  evident  that  the  tide  of  public  feeling  had  begun  to 
turn. 

The  prisoners,  inspired  with  hope,  rose  from  their  seats,  and 
stood  leaning  over  the  pickets  of  their  boxes.  Such  was  the 
eagerness  to  catch  every  word  that  the  sheriff  was  obliged  several 
times  to  rap  with  his  pole  and  call  "  order  !  ORDER  ! ! " 

The  witnesses  for  the  defence  were  next  called,  and  sworn,  and 
examined.  First,  Frank  Lenox. 

Mr.  Curtiss.     "  What  is  your  profession  ?  " 

"  I  am  a  physician." 

"  How  long  have  you  been  in  practice  ?  " 

"  About  thirteen  years." 


OR,  REVELATIONS   OP  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  295 

u  Was  Hugh  Fuller  your  patient  ?  " 

«  He  was." 

"  What  was  his  disease  ?  " 

«  Typhoid  fever."    • 

"  Have  you  been  familiar  with  that  fever  in  your  practice  ?  " 

"  I  have  had  many  cases  every  year." 

"  How  have  you  commonly  found  the  reason  affected  by  this 
disease  ?  " 

"  The  mind  is  frequently  subject  to  aberration,  but  more  fre 
quently  in  the  typhus,  than  in  the  typhoid  fever." 

"  Had  you  any  reason  to  think  the  mind  of  Mr.  Fuller  was  thus 
affected  by  his  disease  ?  " 

"At  times  his  language  was  strange,  and  his  thoughts  incoherent. 
But  he  was  more  free  from  aberration  than  patients  generally  in 
that  fever." 

u  How  near  the  date  of  his  alleged  confession,  do  you  remember 
to  have  witnessed  any  such  wanderings  ?  " 

"I  think  his  mind  was  rather  wandering  on  the  previous 
morning." 

Mr.  Burke.  "  Had  you  given  him  medicine  from  which  un 
natural  excitement  could  result  ?  " 

«  I  had  not." 

Cross  examination  by  Mr.  Willard.' 

"  Did  you  consider  him  of  sound  mind  and  memory  on  the  night 
of  his  confession  ?  " 


"  How  did  he  appear  after  the  confession  ?  " 

"  Very  much  relieved.  —  calm  and  peaceful." 

"Are  you  confident  that  his  mental  aberrations  resulted  from  his 
disease  ?  " 

"  I  considered  them  in  a  great  measure  the  result  of  a  troubled 
conscience." 

Mr.  Curtiss  sprang  to  his  feet,  and  said,  "  May  it  please  your 
Honor,  I  must  object  to  that  question.  It  calls  forth  a  reply  not 


296  CORA.  AND  THE  DOCTOR; 

legitimate  to  the  profession  of  the  witness.  Cases  of  conscience 
belong  to  the  Clergy." 

Judge.  "  The  witness  will  proceed,  confining  himself  to  facts 
pertaining  to  the  case." 

Mr.  Marshall,  the  Attorney  General,  asked,  "  was  there  any 
particular  subject  on  which  his  mind  seemed  to  be  dwelling  in 
what  you  supposed  mental  aberrations  ? 

Mr.  Burke  arose  under  considerable  excitement.  "Your 
Honor,  I  must  protest  against  the  introduction  of  testimony  going 
to  show  the  subject  of  a  crazy  man's  thoughts." 

Mr.  Marshall  stood  waiting  to  reply.  "  Your  Honor  will  con 
sider  the  special  importance  of  this  testimony  as  showing  the  state 
of  the  confessor's  mind,  and  the  subject  which  principally  occupied 
his  thoughts." 

After  a  prolonged  discussion  of  the  admissibility  of  this  testi 
mony  by  the  learned  counsellors,  the  Judge  decided  the  question 
in  order,  and  directed  the  witness  to  proceed. 

"  He  often  repeated  the  words, ( that 's  all  I  remember ;  they 
can't  take  me  up  for  that.  And  if  they  do,  I  'm  not  answerable ; 
they  that  hired  me  will  have  to  bear  the  blame,'  and  so  much  more 
of  the  same  general  import  that  I  was  led  to  suspect,"  — 

"  Your  Honor,"  exclaimed  both  the  lawyers  for  the  defence. 
The  Junior  waived,  however,  in  favor  of  the  Senior.  "  I  hope 
your  Honor  will  remind  the  witness  that  he  is  here  not  to  relate 
suspicions,  but  facts." 

Judge.  "  The  witness  may  proceed  and  restrict  himself  to  facts, 
or  to  such  professional  opinions,  as  are  material  to  the  case.  He 
is  to  give  his  honest  views  frankly  and  fully." 

"  I  was  saying  that  I  suspected,  he  was  laboring  under  remorse 
of  conscience,  and  I  urged  him,  if  such  were  the  fact,  to  seek 
relief  by  confession." 

Mr.  Willard.     "  What  was  the  date  of  this  conversation  ?  " 

"At  several  different  times.  The  one  to  which  I  particularly 
referred,  took  place  two  days  before  his  death." 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  297 

Dr.  Clapp,  partner  of  Dr.  Lenox,  was  called,  whose  testimony 
corroborated  that  of  the  preceding  witness. 
Mrs.  Martha  Fuller  was  next  called. 
Mr.  Curtiss.     "  What  was  your  relation  to  Hugh  Fuller  ?  " 
«  His  wife." 

"  Did  you  discover  anything  during  your  husband's  sickness 
which  led  you  to  think  him  insane  ?  " 
"  I  did." 

"  At  what  part  of  it  more  particularly  ?  " 
"  The  latter  part." 

"  What  did  he  say  that  led  you  to  infer  that  he  was  crazy  ?  " 
"  Sometimes  he  did  not  know  me,  called  me  by  another  name, 
talked  wildly,  and  was  frequently  wandering  in  his  sleep." 

"  How  near  the  time  of  this  alleged  confession  did  you  notice 
any  signs  of  insanity  ?  " 
"  On  the  night  and  day  preceding  his  death." 
Cross  examination  by  Mr.  Willard. 
"  Did  you  hear  your  husband's  confession  ?  " 
« I  did." 

"  Did  you  consider  him  crazy  at  that  time  ?  " 
Hesitating.     "  I  did  not." 

"  What  reasons  had  you  for  not  considering  him  so  ?  " 
"  He  called  us  all  by  name,  and  talked  rationally  about  other 
things,  and  gave  me  directions  about  the  children." 

"  Had  he  frequently  talked  with  you  in  this  way  during  his 
sickness  ?  " 
«  He  had  not." 

"  But  during  his  sickness,  had  there  not  been  days,  or  longer 
seasons,  when  he  appeared  rational  ?  " 
"  There  were." 

"  You  have  said  he  was  often  wild  and  wandering.     Do  you 
mean  he  was  so  most  of  the  time,  or  only  now  and  then  ?  " 
"  Only  now  and  then." 

"  Had  he  ever  appeared  so  before  this  sickness  ?  " 
Witness  bursts  into  tears. 


298  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR. 

I 

Mr.  Curtiss.  "Your  Honor,  I  claim  the  protection  of  the 
Court  in  behalf  of  this  witness." 

Mr.  Marshall.  u  Your  Honor,  we  have  no  disposition  to  impose 
upon  the  witness,  who  certainly  has  our  tenderest  sympathy  in 
these  trying  circumstances.  But  the  question  of  my  worthy  col 
league  was  designed  to  elicit  from  the  witness,  the  fact  whether  or 
not  her  lamented  husband  previous  to  his  last  sickness,  had  ever 
exhibited  signs  of  insanity  ?  " 

Mr.  Burke.  "  Your  Honor,  I  object  to  the  question  as  irrele 
vant." 

Judge.  "  The  question  is  pertinent  and  the  witness  will  answer 
according  to  her  best  recollections." 

Witness.     "  I  cannot  say  that  he  did." 

Mr.  Wittard.     "  Did  he  ever  appear  depressed  in  spirits  ?  " 

«  He  did." 

"  Can  you  recollect  what  he  used  to  say  at  such  times  ?  " 

She  weeps. 

u  Take  your  time,  my  good  woman."  The  sheriff  at  a  motion 
from  Mr.  Willard  brings  her  a  chair.  "  Try  to  recollect  what  he 
said  at  such  times." 

"  He  used  to  fear  we  should  come  to  poverty  and  disgrace." 

"  Did  he  ever  explain  the  ground  of  those  fears  ?  " 

"  Pie  did  not,  when  awake." 

"  What  do  you  mean  to  imply  by  that  ?  " 

"  He  sometimes  talked  about  it  in  his  sleep ;  but  I  could  n't 
always  make  out  what  he  said." 

"  Did  the  drift  of  his  conversation  at  such  times  correspond 
with  that  when  he  was  wild  and  wandering  during  his  sickness  ?  " 

"  I  think  it  did." 

The  Court  was  then  adjourned  until  nine  o'clock  the  next 
rooming. 


CHAPTER    XXXI. 

"As  lawyers  o'er  a  doubt 
Which,  puzzling  long,  at  last,  they  puzzle  out."        COWPER. 

Wednesday,  November  6th. 

Nine  o'clock.  The  Court  met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  The 
excitement  has  much  increased.  The  court-room  is  crowded  to 
its  utmost  capacity,  and  the  most  intense  interest  manifested  as  to 
ihe  decision. 

Mr.  Andrews  was  called  and  sworn. 

Mr.  Curtiss.  "  Did  you  frequently  see  Hugh  Fuller  during 
liis  sickness  ?  " 

"  I  watched  with  him  twice." 

"  Have  you  often  watched  with  persons  in  this  fever  ?  " 
« I  have." 

"  How  were  their  minds  affected  ?  " 
"  They  were  generally  deranged." 

"  Did  you  witness  any  appearance  of  insanity  in  Mr.  Fuller  ?  " 
«Idid." 

"  How  was  it  manifested  ?  " 

"  He  once  imagined  I  was  his  mother,  and  that  I  was  instruct 
ing  him.  Another  time  he  thought  he  was  building  a  house,  and 
called  out  to  his  workmen  about  the  work." 

Before  the  cross  examination,  I  noticed  Mr.  Willard  speaking 
in  a  low  voice  to  Mr.  Marshall,  when  he  took  his  hat  and  retired 
from  the  court-room. 

Mr.  Marshall.    "  Do  you  mean  to  convey  the  idea  that  Mr. 


300  CORA   AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

Fuller  was  not  rational  during  any  part  of  the  nights  that  you 
watched  with  him  ?  " 

"  By  no  means,  sir.  I  mean  that  he  was  a  little  out  of  his 
head." 

"  Did  he  recognize  you  ? " 

"  He  did,  and  often  called  me  by  name,  and  told  me  what 
medicine  he  was  to  take." 

"  When  he  thought  you  were  his  mother,  what  did  he  say  ?  " 

"  He  said  he  remembered  my  instructing  him  to  tell  the  truth, 
and  how  much  happier  he  should  have  been  if  he  had  regarded 
my  instructions." 

Mrs.  Andrews  was  called. 

Mr.   Curtiss.     "  Did  you  see  Mr.  Fuller  during  his  sickness  ?  " 

'•'  I  watched  with  him  the  night  before  he  died." 

"  How  did  he  appear  at  that  time  ?  " 

"  The  first  part  of  the  night,  he  took  me  to  be  his  wife,  and 
talked  with  me  about  the  children." 

"  Relate  all  you  remember  of  his  wanderings." 

"  He  was  very  much  excited  and  wanted  to  get  out  of  bed  and 
go  to  see  Dr.  Lenox  —  Said  he  must  go,  and  we  had  great  diffi 
culty  in  pacifying  him." 

Cross  examination. 

Mr.  Marshall.  "  Do  you  remember  what  he  said  to  you  about 
the  children  ?  " 

"  He  charged  me  never  to  let  the  girls  marry  a  man  who  had 
perjured  himself." 

This  reply  produced  great  sensation,  and  the  sheriff  again 
thundered  "order  !  ORDER  ! ! " 

"  Did  he  appear  more  calm  toward  morning  ?  " 

"  Oh,  no  !  He  grew  more  and  more  excited  until  we  promised 
to  send  for  the  Doctor." 

"  Did  that  wholly  pacify  him  ?  " 

"  He  seemed  so  relieved  and  rational  that  I  staid  alone  with 
him  while  Mr.  Hardy  went  for  the  Doctor,  and  he  hardly  spoke 
during  his  absence." 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A    PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  301 

';  How  did  he  appear  during  that  time  ?  " 

"  He  lay  with  his  eyes  closed,  and  once  I  thought  I  heard  the 
words,  '  Oh,  God !  —  Oh,  Jesus,  forgive  me ! " 

Mr.  Curtiss  called  Mr.  Hardy.  "  Did  you  discover  any  signs 
>f  insanity  in  Mr.  Fuller  on  the  night  preceding  his  death?" 

"  I  did." 

"  What  were  they  ? " 

"  Substantially  those  already  testified  to  by  Mrs.  Andrews.  He 
called  incessantly  for  the  Doctor,  saying  he  could  not  die  till  he 
had  seen  him." 

Mr.  Curtiss,  under  excitement,  interrupted  the  witness,  saying, 
'•-  you  need  not  repeat  the  testimony  of  other  witnesses." 

Cross-examination  by  Mr.  Marshall.  "  Did  he  tell  you  why 
he  wished  to  see  the  Doctor  ?  " 

"  He  said,  he  had  something  of  great  importance  to  confess  to 
him,  and  he  could  not  die  with  it  upon  his  conscience." 

"  How  did  he  appear  when  you  returned  with  the  Doctor?" 

"  Perfectly  calm  and  rational." 

"  Who  were  then  present  ?  " 

"  Dr.  Lenox,  Mrs.  Fuller,  Mrs.  Andrews,  and  myself." 

"  Relate  what  occurred." 

"  The  Doctor  went  directly  to  the  bed.  When  Mr.  Fuller  saw 
him,  he  said  audibly,  <  thank  Gocl!'  lie  then  added,  that  he 
had  committed  a  great  crime  which  he  wished  to  confess  before  he 
died,  and  that  it  related  to  the  last  will  of  the  late  Joseph  Lee.  Dr. 
Lenox  immediately  requested  me  to  go  for  the  nearest  magistrate. 
When  I  returned  with  Justice  Wilson,  the  Doctor  was  praying 
with  the  sick  man.  Fuller's  wife  holding  her  husband  and  weep 
ing,  stood  the  other  side  of  the  bed  with  Mrs.  Andrews.  Prayer 
lying  closed,  the  Doctor  informed  Justice  Wilson  of  the  wysh  of 
]  I  ugh  Fuller  to  make  a  confession  which  it  was  important  to  take 
in  a  legal  form.  The  Justice  then  took  the  sick  man's  confession 
in  our  presence  in  the  form  of  an  affidavit." 

Mr.  Balch  was  next  called,  and  as  he  took  the  stand  Mr.  Wil- 
26 


302  CORA   AND    TUE   DOCTOK  ; 

lard,  with  a  hasty  and  agitated  step,  returned  to  the  court,  room 
and  resumed  his  seat.  Every  eye  \tfas  turned  toward  him,  as  he 
appeared  to  be  under  great  excitement  which  he  in  vain  endeav 
ored  to  conceal.  He  hastily  whispered  to  Mr.  Marshall,  who 
started  in  surprise,  and  seemed  fully  to  participate  in  his  feel 
ings. 

Mr.  Curtiss  to  Mr.  Balcli.  "  "Were  you  acquainted  with  Mr. 
Fuller?" 

"  Intimately ;  I  lived  next  door  to  him,  and  we  frequently 
worked  together.  I  saw  him  almost  daily  before  his  death." 

"  Did  you  see  him  often  during  his  sickness  ?  " 

"  I  was  at  his  house  every  day  to  inquire  after  him,  and  I 
watched  with  him  several  nights." 

"  Did  you  discover  signs  of  insanity  in  him  ?  " 

"I  did." 

"  Relate  to  the  court  what  you  recollect  of  them." 

"  He  frequently  talked  with  me  about  business  that  he  had  no 
connection  with,  and  about  all  sorts  of  things  that  he  never  talked 
about  in  health." 

"  When  did  you  see  him  last  ?  " 

"  On  the  day  before  his  death." 

"  Plow  did  he  then  appear  ?  " 

"  He  was  as  wild  as  a  hawk,  and  kept  trying  to  get  off  the  bed, 
and  pulling  the  clothes." 

«  What  did  he  talk  about  ?  " 

"  He  spoke  of  houses,  and  farms,  and  cattle,  and  workmen,  and 
all  sorts  of  things,  and  run  from  one  to  another  without  any  con 
nection." 

Here  Mr.  Curtis  rose  with  an  air  of  triumph  and  exultation 
and  said,  "Your  Honor,  unless  the  counsel  for  the  prosecution 
wish  to  cross-examine  this  witness,  we  shall  here  close  the 
direct  testimony  for  the  defence." 

Mr.  Willard,  who  had  been  sitting  during  the  examination  of 
the  last  witness,  with  his  face  concealed  by  a  book,  now  rose  and 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  803 

said,  "  Your  Honor,  and  you,  Gentlemen  of  the  Jury,  we  shall 
waive  the  privilege  of  cross-examining  the  last  witness  for  the 
defence,  that  we  may  hasten  to  introduce  a  few  items  of  rebutting 
testimony  at  this  stage  of  the  trial." 

This  was  said  in  so  low  a  voice  as  scarcely  to  be  heard,  while 
he  actually  trembled  with  the  effort  to  suppress  his  emotions. 
"  For  this  purpose,"  he  continued,  "  I  recall  Mrs.  Martha  Ful 
ler." 

Mr.  Curtiss  objects.     "  She  has  been  already  on  the  stand." 

Mr.  Willard.  "  Your  Honor,  I  recall  her  to  elicit  new  testi 
mony,  not  known  at  that  time." 

Mrs.  Fuller  having  presented  herself,  he  asked  leave  of  the 
court  to  inquire,  if  any  one  here  present  were  acquainted  with  the 
hand  writing  of  Oscar  Colby,  of  Edward  Stone,  of  Hugh  Fuller, 
or  of  the  late  Joseph  Lee. 

Many  voices  responded  to  the  call ;  a  number  of  persons  came 
forward,  and  having  taken  the  oath,  Mr.  Willard  advanced  toward 
them,  and  slowly  drawing  out  his  large  pocket-book,  proceeded 
to  take  from  thence  two  yellow  and  time-worn  documents.  He 
partially  unfolded  them,  when  each  of  the  signatures  were  identi 
fied,  with  the  exception  of  that  of  Edward  Stone. 

While  this  was  going  on  the  prisoners  started  suddenly  from 
their  seats,  lawyers  and  reporters  dropped  their  pens  in  their 
eagerness  to  witness  what  was  to  follow  ;  even  the  counsellors  for 
the  defence  seemed  to  hang  in  breathless  suspense  upon  the  issue 
of  the  moment. 

Then  unfolding  the  larger  document,  he  said,  "  May  it  please 
your  Honor,  and  you,  Gentlemen  of  the  Jury:  The  names  of 
Oscar  Colby,  Edward  Stone,  and  Hugh  Fuller,  here  appear  as 
witnesses  to  the  last  will  and  testament  of  the  late  Joseph  Lee, 
bearing  his  characteristic  signature,  and  seal,  drawn  up  in  the 
hand-writing  of  the  said  Oscar  Colby,  and  bearing  even  date  with 
the  deed  before  referred  to,  to  wit :  —  Crawford,  October  twenty- 
third,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty-seven." 


304  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

Plere  Joseph  Lee  in  a  frenzy  of  rage  attempted  to  spring  over 
his  own  box  into  that  of  his  companion,  and  screamed  out,  as  he 
met  the  iron  railing,  "  Perjured  wretch,  you  swore  to  me  it  was 
destroyed." 

The  sheriff  rapped  and  thundered  " order  in  court"  Still  he 
raved  and  swore  like  a  maniac,  and  the  sheriff  could  not  control 
him. 

Though  he  was  heavily  ironed,  it  required  the  full  strength  of 
several  constables  to  keep  him  quiet. 

Order  being  restored,  Mr.  Willard  said,  "  I  will  here  introduce 
two  items  of  written  testimony  to  rebut  the  charge  of  insanity 
against  the  author  of  the  affidavit,  the  principal  witness  for  the 
prosecution,  and  to  confirm  other  testimony  for  the  government 
already  before  the  court.  It  was  not  known  that  these  items 
existed,  when  we  concluded  the  presentation  of  the  case  in  behalf 
of  the  Commonwealth.  I  put  in  as  written  testimony,  first,  the 
last  will  and  testament  of  Joseph  Lee,  deceased,  which  is  as 
follows : 

" '  In  the  name  of  God,  Amen.  I,  Joseph  Lee  Senior,  of 
Crawford,  in  the  County  of  ,  Commonwealth  of  Massachu 
setts,  gentleman,  being  on  my  sick  bed,  and  in  the  near  prospect 
of  death,  but  of  sound  and  disposing  mind  and  memory,  do  maks 
and  publish  this  my  last  will  and  testament,  hereby  revoking  a 
former  will  made  by  me,  and  signed  and  sealed  on  the  fifth  day 
of  August,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty-five. 

First.  I  hereby  constitute  and  appoint  my  beloved  son-in-law, 
Allen  Mansfield,  to  be  sole  executor  of  this  my  last  will,  directing 
him  to  pay  all  my  just  debts  and  funeral  charges  out  of  my  per 
sonal  estate,  as  soon  after  my  decease,  as  shall  by  him  be  found 
convenient. 

Second.  I  give  and  bequeath  to  my  beloved  daughter,  Lucy 
Lee  Mansfield,  all  the  real  estate  of  which  I  may  die  possessed. 

Third.  I  give  and  bequeath  to  my  faithful  steward,  Jacob 
Strong,  and  to  my  faithful  house-keeper,  Susan  Burns,  each  the 
gum  of  one  thousand  dollars. 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OP   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  305 

Fourth.  I  also  give  and  bequeath  to  each  of  my  faithful  servants, 
Samuel  Dane,  Sarah  Brown,  and  Maria  Keys,  the  sum  of  five 
lundred  dollars. 

Fifth.  I  give  and  bequeath  the  sum  of  ten  thousand  dollars  as 
i  fund  to  the  Pastor,  Rev.  Asa  Munroe,  and  Deacon  Simon 
Crocker,  and  Deacon  Josiah  Hanscomb,  of  the  first  Congregational 
church  in  this  place,  to  be  held  in  trust  by  them  and  their  suc 
cessors  in  office  forever,  subject  to  the  advice  of  said  church. 
The  annual  income  thereof  is  to  be  by  them  expended  for  the 
relief  of  the  poor,  and  for  objects  of  charity ;  a  preference  being 
always  given  among  the  poor  to  those  impoverished  by  intemper 
ance  ;  and  among  objects  of  charity  to  those  more  immediately 
under  their  observation. 

Sixth.  I  give  and  bequeath  all  the  residue  of  my  personal 
property  to  my  son-in-law,  Allen  Mansfield,  Frank  Lenox  and 
John  Marshall,  and  their  successors  whom  they  shall  appoint,  to 
be  by  them  held  in  trust,  and  at  their  discretion  used  for  the 
support,  and  personal  comfort  of  my  son,  Joseph  Lee,  and  to  his 
heirs  after  him;  or  in  the  event  of  his  death  without  legitimate 
offspring,  the  same  shall  after  his  decease  revert  to  my  daughter 
Lucy  Lee  Mansfield,  her  heirs  and  assigns  forever. 

In  testimony  whereof,  I,  the  said  Joseph  Lee,  have  to  this  my 
last  will  and  testament,  set  my  hand  and  seal,  this  twenty-third 
day  of  October,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight 
hundred  and  thirty-seven. 

JOSEPH  LEE.     [L.  S.] 

Signed,  sealed,  published,  and  declared  by  the  said  Joseph  Lee, 
as  and  for  his  last  will  and  testament,  in  the  presence  of  us,  who 
at  his  request,  and  in  his  presence,  and  in  the  presence  of  each 
other,  have  subscribed  our  names  as  witnesses  hereto. 

Oscar  Colby, 

Edward  Stone, 

Hugh  Fuller. 

After  he  had  carefully  folded  the    tattered    document   and 

26* 


806  CORA   AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

replaced  it  in  his  pocket-book,  Mr.  "Willard  read  the  other  item 
of  documentary  testimony,  which  proved  to  be  this  note  of  hand. 

"  For  value  received,  I  promise  to  pay  Oscar  Colby  or  order, 
five  thousand  dollars  annually,  on  the  first  day  of  January,  in  each 
year,  during  the  term  of  his  natural  life. 

Signed,  Joseph  Lee." 
Crawford,  November  23,  1837. 

On  the  back  of  this  note  were  seven  annual  endorsements  of 
five  thousand  dollars  each;  amounting  to  thirty-five  thousand 
dollars. 

Turning  to  the  Judge,  he  then  said, "  May  it  please  your  Honor, 
and  you,  Gentlemen  of  the  Jury,  I  am  instructed  by  my  colleague, 
the  Attorney  General,  to  submit  the  case  in  behalf  of  the  Govern 
ment  without  argument  or  comment.  This  we  do  from  a  con 
viction  that  after  such  disclosures,  and  this  array  of  testimony, 
a  closing  argument  would  be  not  only  a  superfluity,  but  almost  an 
insult  to  your  understanding." 

When  he  had  resumed  his  seat,  Mr.  Burke  for  the  defence 
arose,  and  said,  "  May  it  please  your  Honor,  and  you  Gentlemen 
of  the  Jury,  no  persons  can  be  taken  by  greater  surprise  at  these 
remarkable  disclosures,  than  the  counsellors  for  the  defence.  And 
cordially  concuring  in  the  remarks  of  the  learned  counsel  for  the 
prosecution,  we  have  concluded  to  follow  his  worthy  example,  and 
submit  the  case  without  argument,  merely  invoking  for  our  clients 
as  large  a  share  of  commiseration,  as  may  consist  with  your  sense 
of  justice,  and  with  the  laws  pertaining  to  their  cause." 

The  Judge  arose  from  the  Bench,  and  in  slow,  and  grave  accents, 
commended  the  counsellors,  both  for  the  prosecution  and  the 
defence  for  the  brief  and  direct  manner  in  which  they  had  mutually 
yielded  the  case  to  the  court.  "  The  same  considerations,"  he 
added,  "  which  have  in  their  judgment  superseded  all  demand  for 
a  closing  argument,  lead  me,  Gentlemen  of  the  Jury,  to  feel  that 
there  can  be  no  occasion  for  my  giving  you  a  prolonged  charge. 
The  nature  of  the  crime  for  which  the  prisoners  are  arraigned  and 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  807 

the  penalties  which  it  incurs,  have  been  so  properly  and  ably  ex 
pounded  to  you  by  the  counsellors  as  to  supersede  the  necessity 
of  additional  comment  thereon  by  the  Bench.  The  trial  has  been 
protracted,  and  your  minds  must  have  been  perplexed  with  doubts 
respecting  the  importance  to  be  attached  to  the  confession  of  Hugh 
Fuller  until  the  introduction  of  the  documentary  testimony  just 
submitted,  which  pours  a  flood  of  light  upon  the  case,  which  of 
itself  would  seem  sufficient  to  establish  their  guilt,  and  which, 
taken  as  a  corroboration  of  the  direct  and  circumstantial  testimony 
previously  before  the  court,  amounts  to  an  array  of  evidence 
seldom  presented.  If  this  evidence  has  convinced  your  judgment 
of  the  guilt  of  the  prisoners,  you  will  render  your  verdict  accord 
ingly." 

The  Jury  retired,  and  after  a  few  moments  returned.  The 
foreman  arose  and  said,  "  We  have  made  up  our  verdict." 

By  order  of  the  court  Joseph  Lee  was  remanded  to  .the 
prisoner's  box  to  hear  the  verdict. 

Clerk.     "  Do  you  find  the  prisoners  guilty,  or  not  guilty  ?  " 

Reply.     "  Guilty." 

Judge.  "  The  Court  will  postpone  the  proclamation  of  the 
sentence  until  the  morning  session." 

The  Court  then  adjourned  till  Thursday  morning  at  nine  o'clock, 
it  being  already  past  two  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Tlmrsday  Morning,  November  7th.  The  court  met  pursuant  to 
adjournment.  At  nine  o'clock  the  sheriff  and  his  attendants  came 
into  the  Court,  but  Avithout  the  prisoners.  Great  excitement  was 
manifested.  He  communicated  with  the  Judge,  who  exhibited 
strong  emotion,  and  who,  when  the  sheriff  had  opened  the  Court, 
announced  the  death  by  suicide  of  Joseph  Lee,  and  the  dangerous 
illness  of  Oscar  Colby. 

Monday,  November  llth. 
So  ended  this  horrible  tragedy.     I  intended  to  have  taken  notes, 


808  CORA   AND   THE   DOCTOR  ; 

but  my  all-absorbing  interest  in  the  trial  prevented  me.  Indeed 
I  forgot  even  my  intention  to  do  so.  The  night  of  Tuesday,  I 
could  not  close  my  eyes  in  sleep  ;  but  lived  over  and  over  again 
the  exciting  scenes  of  the"  day,  while  the  loathsome,  purple  face 
of  Joseph  and  the  haggard  visage  of  his  companion  were  ever 
before  me. 

My  dear  Lucy  was  seriously  indisposed  when  we  called  for  her, 
on  our  way  to  the  trial,  and  was  glad  to  remain  at  home.  Allen 
too  bore  the  marks  of  the  excitement  and  suffering  of  the  day 
before,  and  said  he  would  not  willingly  go  through  another  such 
day  for  all  the  property  in  Crawford.  But  he  was  destined  to  a 
far  greater  trial  during  the  day  on  which  he  had  entered. 

I  have  copied  from  the  daily  papers  a  full  account  of  the  trial, 
merely  .adding  to  it  from  my  own  memory.  But  now  I  shall 
endeavor  to  explain  some  circumstances  connected  with  it  which 
have  not  yet  been  made  public.  You  will  remember  that  in  the 
report  of  "Wednesday  morning,  Mr.  Willard  abruptly  left  the 
court-room,  after  requesting  Mr.  Marshall  to  cross-examine  the 
witnesses.  The  following  statement  he  made  to  Allen  Mansfield, 
the  Doctor,  myself  and  some  others  after  the  trial.  I  will  relate 
it  nearly  in  his  own  words. 

"  It  would  hardly  be  supposed,"  he  said, "  that  I  could  sleep 
much  at  that  stage  of  this  exciting  trial.  I  tossed  from  side  to  side 
during  the  night,  and  as  I  reviewed  the  testimony,  came  almost  to 
the  conclusion  that  the  counsel  for  the  defence  would  destroy  the 
affidavit  in  the  minds  of  the  Jury  and  get  the  case.  I  thought,  if 
I  could  only  find  the  second  will  or  some  clue  to  it,  this  would 
relieve  my  embarrassment.  I  became  so  much  excited  by  the 
new  train  of  thought,  that  I  arose  from  my  bed,  dressed,  and 
commenced  a  vigorous  walk  across  my  room. 

"  Plan  after  plan  for  obtaining  it  or  some  trace  of  it  was  thought 
of  and  rejected.  Morning  dawned;  and  the  duties  of  the  day 
left  me  no  time  for  farther  speculation.  But  my  midnight  thoughts 
prepared  me  for  what  followed,  and  when  I  went  into  Court,  a 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  309 

light  dawned  upon  me.  It  was  connected  with  a  circumstance 
with  which  you  are  already  acquainted  ;  namely,  with  the  anxiety 
which  Colby  had  manifested  to  have  his  clothes  brought  to  him  in 
the  jail. 

"  During  the  examination  of  one  of  the  first  Avitnesses,  it  sud 
denly  occurred  to  me  to  inquire  of  the  jailer  whether  he  had  ever 
mentioned  any  garment  in  particular.  I  left  the  court-room  for 
that  purpose,  and  was  soon  at  the  jail.  I  began  cautiously  by 
asking  whether  the  prisoners  had  been  rendered  comfortable  dur 
ing  their  confinement.  To  this,  the  jailer  replied,  'far  more 
comfortable  than  they  deserved.  They  are  ungrateful  rascals. 
Notwithstanding  the  pains  I  have  taken  with  Joseph's  meals,  in 
consequence  of  the  wishes  of  his  brother  Mansfield,  yet  he  was 
always  cursing  and  swearing  in  the  most  shocking  manner.' " 

"  And  how  was  it  with  Colby  ?   I  asked. 

" '  I  can't  say  that  he  did  precisely  the  same.  I  've  nothing  to 
say  against  him  except  that  he  was  always  complaining  of 
cold  and  sending  for  more  clothes.  I  have  sent  twice,  and  I  told 
him  that  I  would  n't  be  bothered  with  sending  again  :  so  I  gave 
him  a  shawl  to  put  over  him.' 

"  Did  he  ever  mention  any  particular  garment  which  he 
wished  ?  " 

" '  Yes  indeed.  It 's  vests  he  asks  for.  The  first  time,  the 
man  forgot  about  the  vest,  and  brought  an  overcoat  or  something 
of  that  sort ;  but  the  next  time  he  got  one.' 

"  Well,"  said  I,  trembling  with  a  mere  suspicion  that  I  had  got 
a  clue  that  might  lead  to  the  discovery.  The  jailer  seeing  me 
DILI ch  interested,  went  on. 

" '  The  very  next  day,  he  wanted  another  vest ;  and  I  refused 
downright  to  send  again.' 

"  Did  he  specify  any  one  in  particular  ?  " 

" '  Yes ;  he  said  he  wanted  a  new  checked  satin  one,  hanging  in 
his  wardrobe.' 

"  I  had  heard  enough  ;  and  bidding  the  jailer  good  morning,  I 


810  COKA   AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

stopped  at  the  court-room  only  long  enough  to  take  a  sheriff,  and 
proceeded  to  Lee  Hall.  Without  imparting  my  suspicions  to  my 
companion  or  to  the  keeper  of  the  house,  I  merely  told  them  that 
I  wished  once  more  to  examine  the  room  occupied  by  Mr.  Colby ; 
and  notwithstanding  the  doubt  of  finding  anything  new,  expressed 
by  the  keeper,  I  walked  straight  to  the  wardrobe,  and  took  down 
every  vest  hanging  there. 

"  After  laying  them  upon  the  bed,  I  proceeded,  (not  very  de 
liberately,  I  confess)  to  examine  the  pockets  and  to  see  if  I  could 
discover  any  inner  pockets.  But  no,  the  keeper  standing'by  said, 
as  I  laid  one  down  after  another, '  them  are  clothes  has  all  under 
gone  a  thorough  castigation,  and  there  ha  'n't  nothing  been  found 
in  'em.' 

"  Hardly  knowing  why,  I  took  up  again  the  thick  black  satin 
vest,  and  walked  to  the  window.  My  heart  almost  stopped  beat 
ing,  as  I  saw  that  a  slit  had  been  cut  in  the  lining,  and  carefully 
sewed  up  again.  Quick  as  lightning,  I  cut  the  thread,  put  in  my 
fingers,  drew  out  the  very  document  of  which  I  was  in  search, 
and  the  note  of  hand  within  it.  I  sprang  full  two  feet  from  the 
floor,  as  I  discovered  the  treasure,  and  my  companions  echoed 
and  reechoed  my  shout  of  delight.  I  hastened  to  the  court-room 
with  my  important  rebutting  testimony,"  said  he  with  a  smile, 
"  and  you  know  the  result." 

Allen  Mansfield  was  so  excited  during  this  relation  that  he  had 
to  sit  down  two  or  three  times,  and  then  forgetting  himself  he 
started  from  his  seat.  When  Mr.  Willard  had  finished  his  re 
markable  story,  he  found  that  his  circle  of  hearers  had  greatly 
increased  since  the  commencement  of  his  narrative.  Not  only 
Mr.  Marshall,  the  Attorney  General,  the  Counsellors  for  the 
defence,  and  a  score  of  Reporters  but  the  Judge  from  the  bench 
had  pressed  around  him  to  learn  how  so  important  a  mystery  had 
been  revealed.  He  then  received  the  warm  congratulations  of  all 
his  associates  at  the  bar,  for  his  success,  and  at  the  favorable  ter 
mination  of  the  suit. 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S  WIFE.  311 

Mr.  Mansfield  begged  the  Doctor  and  myself  to  communicate 
ihe  result  of  the  trial  to  Lucy.  We  did  so,  but  found  her  suffer 
ing  so  severely  from  nervous  excitement,  that  my  husband  judged 
it  wiser  to  avoid  particulars,  and  merely  to  inform  her  that  the 
.-  uit  had  resulted  in  her  favor.  A  deep  sigh,  with  the  words, 
';  Oh !  rrijli  poor  brother  Joseph ! "  were  all  her  reply. 

It  was  now  past  three  o'clock,  and  I  hastened  to  my  babies, 
and  communicated  the  sad  story  to  mother.  In  consequence  of 
losing  my  sleep  the  previous?  night,  1  did  not  rise  till  quite  late 
on  Thursday  morning.  Wlien  I  went  below,  a  man  was  just 
]  caving  the  hall ;  and  as  Frank  shut  the  door  after  him,  I  heard 
him  say,  "  Oh !  how  shocking ! "  He  immediately  prepared  to  go 
out. 

"  My  dear  husband,"  I  said,  "  something  dreadful  has  happened, 
I  perceive  by  your  looks.  Don't  be  afraid  to  tell  me.  I  fear 
Lucy  »_ 

"  No !  No  !  !  "  said  he,  interrupting  me,  "  I  have  heard  nothing 
i'rom  her.  Don't  be  alarmed.  I  shall  soon  be  back." 

He  had  been  gone  nearly  an  hour,  when  a  messenger  came  in 
great  haste  for  him  to  go  to  Mr.  Mansfield's  —  Lucy  was  in  a 
dreadful  swoon.  I  ran  down  to  inquire  more  particularly,  and  to 
direct  him  to  go  to  the  office  for  the  Doctor,  when  he  told  me  the 
horrid  catastrophe.  Joseph  Lee  had  been  found  dead  in  his  cell, 
having  hung  himself  from  a  large  hook  driven  into  the  wall  and 
used  to  hang  up  a  coat  or  a  hat. 

With  mother's  advice,  I  proceeded  immediately  to  Mr.  Mans 
field's,  where  I  found  every  thing  in  the  utmost  confusion.  Ser 
vants  were  running  to  and  fro ;  some  crying,  some  trying  to  soothe 
others,  while  Emily  and  her  sweet  little  brothers  were  the  only 
ones  who  remained  calm.  I  stopped  a  moment  to  speak  to  them 
in  the  nursery,  when  the  dear  girl  said,  "  I'm  trying  to  keep  my 
brothers  quiet,  because  mamma  is  very  sick." 

I  hastened  to  their  mother's  chamber,  Avhere  my  husband  was 


312  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

leaning  over  his  patient,  applying  the  most  powerful  restoratives, 
while  her  agitated  husband  and  Mrs.  Burns  were  putting  stimu 
lants  to  her  hands  and  feet.  Not  a  pulse  throbbed  —  no  sign  of 
life  appeared.  The  Doctor  repeatedly  held  a  small  mirror  be 
fore  her  face,  but  was  unable  to  discover  the  least  breath.  But 
at  length,  with  a  deep  sigh  from  her  over-burdened  heart,  she 
very  gradually  recovered  her  consciousness. 

All  stood  back  from  her  view  except  her  physician.  Poor  Al 
len,  with  tears  streaming  down  his  cheeks,  dared  not  show  himself. 
The  sufferer  was  soon  able  to  take  a  little  camphor  and  water, 
and  without  letting  her  see  me,  I  returned  to  the  children.  Sum 
moning  the  nurse,  I  told  her  if  she  would  dress  her  young  charge, 
I  would  send  for  them  to  pass  the  day  with  my  little  ones ;  and 
not  waiting  for  my  husband,  I  returned  home. 

That  was  on  Thursday  morning,  the  time  appointed  by  the 
Judge,  for  the  prisoners  to  receive  their  sentence.  When  the 
jailer  went  to  carry  them  their  breakfast,  he  ascertained  that  one 
of  them  was  beyond  the  reach  of  any  earthly  tribunal.  He  had 
rushed  unbidden,  into  the  presence  of  his  great  Judge.  Hasten 
ing  to  the  other  cell,  and  almost  fearing  to  enter,  lest  he  should 
find  him  in  a  similar  condition,  he  ascertained  that  he  was  raving 
incoherently  from  a  fever,  and  hastily  sent  for  the  Doctor.  His 
disease  proved  to  be  a  violent  congestion  of  the  brain ;  and  it  still 
remains  very  doubtful  whether  he  will  recover. 

A  coroner's  jury  was  called  to  sit  on  the  body  of  Joseph,  and 
rendered  a  verdict  of  death  by  suicide.  The  Doctor  says  he  can 
not  see  how  he  could  have  succeeded  in  his  attempt.  He  had 
hooked  his  cloak  around  his  neck,  and  then  hung  it  upon  the  hook 
on  the  wall  by  one  of  the  eyes  which  fastened  it  together.  He 
had  been  dead  some  hours,  and  probably  terminated  his  life  soon 
after  dark,  though  from  the  examination  it  appeared  that  he  must 
have  been  a  long  time  in  the  agonies  of  death.  His  face  was 
almost  black,  and  his  hands  tightly  clenched.  So  died  Joseph 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A  PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  313 

f&e !  The  vast  wealth  of  which  he  had  so  unrighteously  pos- 
^  essed  himself,  what  now  was  that  to  him  ?  It  would  only  fill  his 
t-oul  with  enduring  agony  and  remorse. 

Friday,  November  22d, 

Emily  Lenox  Mansfield,  with  her  twin  brothers  Charlie  and 
j  larry,  have  this  morning  left  us  to  go  home.  I  feel  quite  lonely 
without  them.  Emily  is  a  most  engaging  child  of  six  years  of 
:  ge.  Her  eyes  filled  with  tears  as  she  parted  with  Pauline,  who 
]  as  been  extremely  kind  .and  obliging  to  her  little  visitors.  I 
]  romised  that  she  should  soon  spend  a  dav  with  them,  now  that 
1  lieir  mother  is  getting  stronger.  Mrs.  Mansfield  was  very  ill  for 
t-everal  days  after  hearing  of  her  brother's  dreadful  end.  She 
recovered  from  one  fainting  fit  only  to  fall  into  another.  I  think 
Frank  became  really  alarmed  at  last;  but  she  is  now  much  bet- 
t  T,  and  able  to  sit  up  two  or  three  hours  in  a  day. 

She  has  never  asked  a  question  about  the  result  of  the  trial, 
and  is  still  unacquainted  with  the  shocking  detail.  The  Doctor 
fearing  lest  she  should  hear  of  it  suddenly,  told  her  yesterday  of 
tl  ie  death  of  Oscar  Colby,  which  occurred  night  before  last.  My 
husband  has  visited  him  twice  every  day  in  his  cell,  hoping  to 
find  an  opportunity,  if  his  reason  should  return,  to  point  him  to 
his  crucified  Saviour.  But  alas  !  no  such  season  presented  itself. 
The  poor  man  never  appeared  to  be  conscious,  not  even  for  a  mo 
ment,  after  he  was  found  so  ill  the  day  after  the  trial. 

One  fact  will  ^interest  you  much.  The  distillery  is  closed  for 
ever.  Mr.  Mansfield  intends  to  convert  it  into  a  large  ware 
house. 

Lee  Hall  is  undergoing  repairs,  and  early  in  the  spring,  I  sup 
pose  we  shall  lose  our  loved  neighbors,  who  will  go  to  the  old 
homestead.  Jacob  Strong  and  Sarah  Brown  will  go  back  with 
them.  Mrs.  Burns  and  Maria  .Keyes  have  always  remained  in 
the  family.  I  believe  I  express  the  feelings  of  the  whole  commu- 

27 


314  CORA   AND    THE    DOCTOK. 

nity  when  I  say,  that  I  am  delighted  that  such  persons  as  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Mansfield  have  come  into  the  possession  of  so  valuable 
an  estate.  I  know,  they  feel  themselves  to  be  but  stewards,  and 
that  they  will  hereafter  be  called  to  render  an  account  of  their 
stewardship. 


CHAPTER   XXXI. 

"  All  is  not  here  of  our  belov'd  and  blessed,  — 
Leave  ye  the  sleeper  with  his  God  to  rest! "        MES.  HEMAXB. 

Wednesday,  October  15th,  1845. 

MY  dearly  loved  mother,  —  How  can  I  express  \vords  of  sym 
pathy  to  you,  when  my  heart  is  so  full  of  grief  on  my  own  account, 
from  such  a  loss  as  I  can  never  experience  but  once,  the  loss  of  a 
father. 

To  lose  a  parent  under  any  circumstances  is  a  heavy  affliction ; 
but  to  lose  such  a  father,  and  to  be  unable  to  administer  to  his 
comfort,  by  his  sick  bed ;  to  receive  and  treasure  the  words  of 
love  and  wisdom  which  fall  from  his  lips,  —  to  hear  his  last  prayer, 
and  receive  his  last  blessing,  is  indeed  a  sorrow  heavy  to  be  borne. 
You,  my  dear  my  only  surviving  parent,  have  one  source  of  com 
fort,  which  though  it  may  at  present  aggravate  the  loss  you  have 
sustained,  will  yet  be  an  unspeakable  blessing  to  you ;  and  that 
is  in  the  precious  memories  of  your  dear  husband.  These  remem 
brances  of  the  past,  how  will  you  live  in  them  after  the  first 
poignancy  of  your  grief  has  abated ;  how  greatly  will  they  sustaiu 
you. 

I  can  truly  say,  that  not  one  unpleasant  word,  not  one  unholy 
expression  comes  up  to  disturb  the  hallowed  remembrance  of  my 
dearly  loved  father.  On  the  contrary,  every  hard  feeling  is 
softened,  every  unkind  thought  subdued,  when  I  think  of  his- 
meek,  loving  spirit,  and  recollect  his  words  of  love  toward 


316  CORA   AND    THE    DOCTOR. 

all  mankind.  "  Dear,  dear  father  !  And  shall  I  never  see  thee 
more  ?  never  more  gaze  into  thy  mild  blue  eyes,  and  see  the  looks 
of  parental  fondness  beaming  there  —  never  more  feel  thy  warm 
embrace,  or  hear  thy  gentle  voice  say,  "  my  daughter  ! " 

Ah !  in  the  midnight  hour  I  see  thee  oft, 

And  hear  thy  voice  — 
Thy  mingled  words  of  love  and  tenderness. 
And  thou  dost  point  me  to  the  promis'd  land, 

Where  now  thou  dwell'st  — 
The  better  land  of  never  ending  bliss. 

My  dear  mother,  if  anything  earthly  could  alleviate  a  sorrow 
like  mine,  it  is  the  hope,  though  yet  faint,  that  I  shall  ere  long 
look  upon  your  dear  face  and  from  your  own  lips  hear  the  answer  to 
the  many  questions  my  heart  yearns  to  ask.  Do  not  disappoint 
me.  Have  I  not  a  claim  upon  you  for  a  few  years  ?  I  can 
anticipate  one  objection  you  will  feel  in  leaving  the  spot  consecrated 
as  the  resting  place  of  your  beloved  husband.  But,  dear  mother, 
he  is  not  there.  He  is  with  his  Saviour,  and  the  throne  of  grace 
is  as  near  us  in  America  as  in  England. 

My  dear  Frank  is  almost  as  earnest  in  this  request  as  I  am, 
and  will  meet  you  in  New  York,  if  Isabel  or  Nelly  will  go  with 
you  to  Liverpool  and  put  you  in  charge  of  some  one  coming  direct 
to  that  place.  I  long  to  show  you  my  treasures.  Pauline  you 
will  love  as  if  she  Avere  your  own  ;  and  Nelly's  face  is  wreathed 
in  smiles  at  the  name  of  grand-mamma  Gordon.  Franky  is  a 
merry,  joyous  little  fellow,  who  wins  his  way  to  every  heart.  He- 
holds  out  his  arms  to  any  one  who  comes  in,  and  never  was  the 
old  adage,  "  love  begets  love,"  more  true  than  in  his  case ;  for 
many  persons  who  are  not  in  the  habit  of  noticing  children,  are 
so  well  pleased  at  the  readiness  with  which  the  child  concludes 
them  to  be  friends,  that  they  are  never  weary  of  praising  him. 


CHAPTER    XXXII. 

"In  the  joy  of  a  well  ordered  home,  be  warned  that  this  is  not  your  rest; 
For  the  substance  to  come  may  be  forgotten  in  the  present  beauty  of  the  sha 
dow." 

TUPPEK. 

Tuesday,  August  Qth,  1850. 

WE  were  rejoiced,  dear  mother,  to  hear  of  your  safe  arrival 
at  home,  and  the  hearty  welcome  you  received  from  your  children 
and  grand-children. 

With  Isabel's  four,  and  Nelly's  two  little  ones,  you  really  have 
quite  a  flock.  I  wish  they  could  all  be  together  once.  I  long  to 
have  my  children  acquainted  with  their  English  cousins. 

Pauline  is  quite  inclined  to  commence  a  correspondence  with 
Isabel's  Ernest.  You  were  so  much  pleased  with  her  perfect 
simplicity  and  artlessness  of  character,  I  will  relate  a  little  incident 
which  occurred  since  you  left.  The  Doctor  and  myself  were 
invited  to  a  small  party  at  Mr.  Mansfield's,  and  as  has  often 
occurred  of  late,  Pauline  was  included  in  the  invitation. 

She  met  there  quite  a  number  of  young  ladies  of  her  own  age, 
as  well  as  many  older  persons.  In  the  course  of  the  evening 
music  was  called  for,  and  some  of  the  young  ladies  were  requested 
lo  play  upon  the  piano  or  harp.  Misses  upon  whom  hundreds  of 
dollars  had  been  expended  for  instruction  in  music,  and  who  had 
been  daily  practising  for  many  years,  now  refused  to  gratify  their 
parents,  or  friends,  by  an  effort  to  play. 

27* 


318  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

One  young  lady  "  could  n't  think  of  it,"  and  with  a  great 
affectation  of  modesty,  "never  could  play  if  any  one  was  by." 
This  same  young  lady  in  the  course  of  the  evening,  not  only  did 
play,  after  being  sufficiently  urged  to  do  so,  but  laughed  so  loud 
that  her  rudeness  arrested  the  attention  of  all  present.  Another 
young  miss  had  a  "  very  bad  cold  ; "  the  cold  however  subsided 
after  sufficient  pleading  to  sing  from  a  young  gentleman  near  her. 

But  I  was  intending  to  speak  of  my  simple-hearted  Pauline. 
She  appeared  much  astonished  at  the  unwillingness  to  oblige, 
which  these  young  girls  manifested ;  and  when  one  of  the  company 
said, "  here  is  a  young  lady,  who,  I  think,  will  give  us  some  music," 
she  very  gracefully  walked  to  the  piano-forte,  pleasantly  saying, 
"  I  shall  be  very  happy  to  oblige  you."  She  played,  by  her  own 
selection,  some  simple  pieces  which  she  accompanied  with  her 
sweet  voice. 

The  lady  was  moved  to  tears,  while  the  young  people  crowded 
around  her,  eagerly  asking  for  more.  She  willingly  complied,  and 
played  one  piece  after  another  as  they  were  selected  for  her,  and 
with  such  beauty  of  expression  and  even  brilliancy  in  the  execu 
tion,  that  I  was  not  only  delighted  by  her  sweet  manner,  but 
proud  of  the  success  of  my  first  pupil. 

Mrs.  Marshall  sat  near  me,  and  said  with  tears  in  her  eyes, 
"  My  dear  Mrs.  Lenox,  you  have  a  great  treasure  in  that  lovely 
girl,"  (and  so  indeed  I  have.)  "  I  hope,"  she  continued,  "  that  the 
young  ladies  will  endeavor  to  imitate  so  worthy  an  example." 

Wednesday,  August  1th. 

I  have  given  the  children  a  holiday,  on  account  of  the  intense 
heat.  I  am  richly  repaid  for  all  m'y  care  in  the  education  of 
Pauline,  by  the  aid  she  is  to  me  in  the  care  of  her  sister  and 
brother. 

Franky  loves  her  as  a  teacher,  even  better  than  he  does  me. 
I  fear,  he  sometimes  imposes  upon  her  good  nature  and  her  great 
love  for  him,  by  his  inattention  and  restlessness  during  school-hours. 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  319 

But  I  really  cannot  blame  them  such  a  clay  as  this,  with  the 
thermometer  at  ninety  degrees  in  the  shade. 

There  is  a  great  deal  of  sickness  in  the  town,  and  the  Doctor 
has  a  number  of  cases  of  typhus  fever.  I  think  such  cases  have 
occurred  every  year  about  this  season.  He  now  realizes  the 
benefit  of  so  efficient  a  partner  as  he  finds  in  Doctor  Clapp,  whose 
days  of  leisure  have  been  long  ago  forgotten,  or  only  remembered 
to  be  sighed  for.  He  has  removed  to  a  pleasant  residence  down  in 
town,  and  his  good  wife  finds  ample  employment  in  the  training 
of  her  numerous  little  flock,  leaving  her  culinary  department,  in 
which  she  was  so  skilful,  to  the  aid  which  her  husband's  abundant 
means  enable  him  to  provide. 

Timrsday,  August  8th. 

The  heat  still  continues  unabated.  I  should  be  inclined  to  call 
myself  sick,  if  it  were  not  for  my  anxiety  for  the  Doctor,  who 
appears  to  me  to  be  quite  unwell,  though  he  will  not  allow  it  to 
be  anything  of  importance,  but  only  the  effect  of  riding  in  the 
heat.  I  do  believe  physicians  make  the  very  worst  patients,  and 
dread  the  taking  of  medicine  more  than  any  other  class  of 
persons. 

Saturday,  August  10th. 

We  have  had  a  most  refreshing  shower,  which  has  cooled  the 
heated  air.  But  it  does  not  appear  to  have  revived  my  poor 
husband,  who  though  still  suffering  from  a  most  violent  head-ache, 
yet  persisted  in  going  to  visit  a  few  of  his  sickest  patients.  I  am 
really  very  anxious,  and  will  set  up  my  authority  when  he  re- 
inrns.  We  have  long  ago  settled  the  vexed  question  of  obedience  ; 
I  am  to  obey  him  when  he  is  well,  and  he  is  to  obey  me  when  he 
i;s  sick. 

Sabbath,  August  llth. 
My  authority  was  unnecessary.     Dear  Frank  came  home  at 


320  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

noon,  pale  as  a  ghost,  and  went  willingly  to  bed.  I  sent  for  Dr. 
Clapp  without  consulting  him,  and  a  powder  which  he  administered 
has  somewhat  relieved  the  pain,  so  that  he  is  now  asleep,  while  I 
sit  by  him. 

Monday,  September  2d. 

Oh !  how  much  of  fear,  anxiety  and  engrossing  care  has  been 
crowded  "into  the  few  days  which  have  intervened  since  I  wrote 
the  above. 

I  have  taken  my  pen,  as  I  sit  by  the  couch  of  my  husband,  to 
relieve  my  swelling  heart.  The  night  succeeding  the  first  call  of 
Dr.  Clapp,  Frank  was  perfectly  wild  with  delirium.  I  was  obliged 
to  call  Ccesar  to  help  me  keep  him  in  bed.  He  did  not  know  us, 
and  supposed  we  were  trying  to  keep  him  from  getting  home. 
Oh!  how  my  heart  ached,  as  he- entreated  to  be  allowed  to  go 
home,  saying  again  and  again,  "  my  wife  will  be  so  anxious." 

Sometimes  for  a  minute,  he  seemed  to  recognize  mother,  and 
then  would  talk  to  her  in  the  strangest  manner,  thinking  her  a 
patient  or  somebody  else.  Notwithstanding  all  the  skill  of  his 
physician,  the  unceasing  watchfulness  of  friends,  or  the  action  of 
medicine,  my  dear,  dear  husband  rapidly  grew  worse.  Indeed 
Dr.  Clapp  said,  he  must  have  had  a  settled  fever  for  a  week 
before  he  took  his  bed.  Early  on  Monday  morning,  the  twelfth 

ultimo,  our  kind  Doctor  sent  to  the  city  for  Dr.  J ,  an  eminent 

physician,  to  come  to  Crawford  for  a  consultation. 

He  arrived  by  the  next  train  of  cars.  I  watched  their  looks, 
and  hung  upon  their  words,  as  if  they  had  the  power  of  life  and 
death  in  their  hands.  I  knew  that  Dr.  Clapp  considered  my  dear 
husband  a  very  sick  man ;  but  oh  !  I  did  not  realize  till  then,  that 

there  was  hardly  a  hope  of  his  recovery.  Dr.  J looked  very 

grave,  and  when  his  brother  physician  in  a  low  voice,  pointed  out 
some  of  the  symptoms,  he  shook  his  head. 

I  went  silently  from  the  room ;  I  could  contain  myself  no 
longer.  They  soon  retired  to  consult  upon  the  case,  aftfir  which 


REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  321 

I  begged  them  to  tell  me  exactly  what  they  thought  of  their 

patient.     Dr.  Clapp  turned  hastily  away,  while  Dr.  J pressed 

ray  hand,  saying,  "  My  dear  madam,  we  are  all  in  the  hands  of 
God." 

I  almost  gasped  for  breath,  as  I  tried  to  say,  "  but  you  think  he 
will  live,  oh !  say  that  he  will  live." 

The  kind  Doctor  put  his  handkerchief  to  his  eyes,  as  he 
answered,  "while  there  is  life,  there  is  hope,  but  I  ought  not  to 
deceive  you." 

"  Oh ! "  said  I,  while  weeping  bitter  tears,  "  I  can't  hear  you 
?ay  that  I  may  not  hope." 

Dr.  Clapp  wrung  my  hand,  and  Avept  aloud,  "  I  shall  lose  the 
best  friend  I  ever  had,"  said  he,  while  I  sank  back  almost  fainting 

into  a  chair.     Dr.  J sat  down  by  me,  and  tried  to  compose 

my  feelings,  saying  that  I  should  be  ill  myself,  and  that  my  dear 
husband  had  lived  a  useful  life,  and  was  prepared  to  enter  upon 
his  glorious  inheritance ;  but  every  word  cut  deeper  and  deeper 
into  my  heart,  convincing  me  that  they  had  given  up  all  hope.  I 
pressed  my  hand  to  my  head  which  seemed  to  ,be  flying  off,  and 
rushed  from  the  room.  I  flew  to  the  farther  end  of  the  house,  to 
a  room  the  most  remote  from  that  where  lay  my  sick,  and  as  they 
thought,  my  dying  husband.  1  threw  myself  upon  the  bed  and 
wept  aloud.  My  heart  was  in  a  dreadful  state  of  rebellion  against 
iny  Maker.  The  most  awful  thoughts  came  into  my  mind ;  but  I 
drove  them  hence ;  "  Why  should  I  lose  my  husband  ?  I  do  not 
wish  to  live  without  him.  I  cannot  give  him  up,"  was  the  language 
of  my  unsubmissive  heart.  But  all  at  once  the  thought  of  my 
horrible  ingratitude  to  my  heavenly  Father,  who  had  bestowed 
upon  me  such  a  companion,  and  who  had  allowed  us  to  live 
together  so  many  years,  struck  me  dumb.  I  arose  from  my  bed, 
threw  myself  upon  my  knees,  and  plead  earnestly  for  pardon,  and 
for  a  submissive  spirit  I  knew,  I  felt,  I  confessed  that  I  had 
made  an  idol  of  my  dear  Frank,  and  I  cried  fervently  for  a  spirit 
to  say, 


322  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

"  The  dearest  idol  I  have  known, 

What  e'er  that  idol  be, 
Help  me  to  tear  it  from  thy  throne, 
And  worship  only  thee." 

Long  and  severe  was  the  struggle  with  my  hard  and  undutifii 
feelings.  But  the  answer  came  at  length,  and  with  tears  which 
were  no  longer  bitter,  I  arose  and  was  enabled  by  divine  grace  to 
say,  "  The  Lord  gave  and  the  Lord  taketh  away,  blessed  be  the 
name  of  the  Lord."  I  felt  a  sweet  peace  in  giving  him,  whom  1 
best  loved  to  my  Saviour,  and  it  seemed  but  a  very  short  time 
before  I  should  go  to  him  and  dwell  with  him,  where  there  would 
be  no  more  sorrow,  and  no  more  parting,  but  where  all  tears  would 
be  wiped  from  our  eyes. 

When  1  went  back  to  the  sick  room,  however,  and  saw  the  pale, 
haggard  countenance,  the  sunken  eyes,  and  heard  the  labored 
breath,  my  heart  sunk  within  me,  as  I  realized  that  he  would  soon 
pass  from  my  sight,  without  one  parling  word,  one  farewell  kiss. 
As  I  stood  gazing  at  him,  the  inspired  passage  occurred  to  me, 
"  In  whose  hands  our  breath  is,  and  whose  are  all  our  ways."  I 
then  remembered  that  God  had  power  to  restore  the  emaciated 
form  before  me,  to  new  life  and  vigor.  The  thought  that  it 
might  be  his  will  to  give  my  husband  back  to  me,  even  from  the 
borders  of  the  grave,  sent  the  warm  blood  throbbing  through  me. 
I  again  poured  out  my  heart  in  prayer  to  God,  not  for  myself,  but 
for  the  life  of  my  husband.  I  renewedly  dedicated  him  to  God. 
I  cried  out,  "  Oh  !  my  heavenly  Father,  give  me  his  life." 

Dear  mother  also  was  besieging  the  throne  of  grace  in  his 
behalf.  But  he  lay  unconscious  of  the  agonized  hearts  throbbing 
near  him,  anxiously  watching  every  breath  he  drew. 

Dr.  Clapp  was  to  be  with  him  through  Monday  night.  Mother 
besought  me  to  try  to  sleep.  I  wondered  if  she  thought  I  could 
ever  sleep  again  ?  But  I  only  shook  my  head.  The  crisis  was 
rapidly  approaching.  I  saw  that  not  a  sigh,  or  a  groan  escaped 
the  notice  of  our  kind  physician ;  but  I  was  calm.  I  eve/i 


OE,   REVELATIONS   OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  323 

vondered  at  myself.     A  strong,  but  invisible  arm  was  put  round 

about  me  to  strengthen  me,  and  I  leaned  upon  it  to  sustain  my 

•Irooping  spirit.     The   night  passed  slowly  away,  the   morning 

>egan  to  dawn ;  not  a  word  had  been  spoken  for  the  past  hour. 

Dr.  Clapp  sat  with  his  fingers  upon  the  wrist  of  his  patient,  where 

~.  ie  could  scarce  feel  the  fluttering  pulse.     Ever  and  anon  he  would 

ake  the  candle  from  the  table,  hold  it  before  the  face  of  the  pale 

mfferer,  and  then  silently  shade  it  again. 

At  length  he  arose,  and  putting  his  fingers  upon  his  lips,  to 
enjoin  perfect  silence,  he  withdrew  from  the  room.  Nothing  could 
)Q  heard  but  the  ticking  of  the  watch  and  our  own  loud  breathing. 
it  seemed  a  long,  long  time  that  the  Doctor  was  absent,  and  when 
:ie  came  in,  I  saw  he  had  been  weeping.  In  an  agony  of  grief 
:ny  very  soul  yearned  for  one  more  look,  one  more  word  of  love. 
'.r.  hardly  dared  to  uncover  my  face.  "When  I  did  so,  the  Doctor 
n'as  wetting  his  patient's  lips  with  a  sponge.  Then  he  sat  down 
again,  with  his  fingers  upon  the  pulse. 

What  had  come  over  the  man  ?  I  wiped  my  eyes  to  see  clearer. 
His  whole  face  was  lit  up  with  an  expression,  to  which  it  had  for 
many  days  been  a  stranger  ;  but  I  dared  not  hope.  Again  and 
again  the  sponge  was  dipped  in  the  cup  and  applied  to  the  parched 
lips,  and  still  we  sat,  as  though  we  had  no  tongues,  or  knew  not 
how  to  use  them,  when  feeling  that  I  could  not  breathe,  I  silently 
arose  and  left  the  room.  The  kind  watcher  followed,  and  leading 
me  down  stairs  to  the  library,  shut  the  door,  and  in  a  husky  voice 
said,  "My  dear  Mrs.  Lenox,  the  crisis  has  passed,  and  your 
husband  still  lives." 

I  started  from  my  chair.  "  Compose  yourself,  my  dear  lady," 
lie  continued.  "There  is  hope  that  he  may  recover,"  and  our 
sympathizing  friend  wept  tears  of  joy. 

But  for  me  the  reaction  was  too  great.  I  felt  myself  falling  to 
the  floor.  When  I  recovered  Pauline  was  bathing  my  temples. 
Dr.  Clapp  had  left  the  room  and  returned  to  his  patient.  I 
speedily  recovered  and  followed  him,  and  was  softly  stepping 


324  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

toward  the  bed  where  mother  sat  holding  her  beloved  son  by  the 
hand.  But  the  physician  saw  roe  and  motioned  me  back.  I 
withdrew  into  the  hall,  where  he  soon  joined  me,  and  leading  me 
away  from  the  door,  said,  "  Your  husband  is  now  conscious,  and 
will  recognize  you.  Can  you  compose  yourself?  The  least  ex 
citement  may  be  fatal  to  him." 

After  a  moment,  in  which  I  tried  to  hush  the  loud  beating  of 
my  heart,  and  to  breathe  a  prayer  for  strength,  I  said,  "  I  think  I 
can,"  and  we  again  entered  the  room.  I  walked  silently  to  the 
bed,  and  looked  at  my  darling  Frank.  His  eyes  were  closed  and 
his  face  closely  resembled  death ;  but  when  he  feebly  opened  his 
eyes,  the  light  of  reason  beamed  thence,  and  he  knew  me.  I 
kissed  his  forehead  and  almost  flew  from  the  room.  My  heart 
was  filled  witli  the  most  delightful  emotions  of  gratitude  and  joy, 
"  and  though  my  voice  was  silent,  being  stopped  by  the  intense - 
ness  of  what  I  felt,  yet  my  soul  sung  within  me  and  even  leaped 
for  joy."  The  emotion  was  so  intense  as  to  be  nearly  allied  to 
pain.  I  pressed  my  hand  to  my  heart  to  keep  it  from  bursting. 
I  heard  a  gentle  step,  and  my  sweet  Pauline  sat  by  my  side,  and 
drawing  my  head  to  her  breast,  sought  to  soothe  my  agitated  feel 
ings.  She  had  been  weeping.  "  Dear  mamma,"  she  whispered, 
"  I  am  so  happy,  I  have  been  trying  to  thank  God  for  making 
dear  father  better." 

"  My  love,"  said  I,  "  will  you  thank  our  heavenly  Father  for 
me?"  As  we  sat,  she  breathed  out  her  heart  to  God  like  one  who 
was  used  to  going  to  him,  as  to  a  tender  father.  I  pressed  her  to 
me  and  thanked  God  for  so  great  a  treasure. 

Wednesday,  September  kth. 

I  was  proceeding  with  my  writing,  the  day  before  yesterday, 
supposing  Frank  to  be  asleep,  when  he  put  his  hand  upon  mine, 
and  said,  "  my  love,  you  have  wept  quite  enough." 

While  scarcely  conscious  of  the  fact,  I  had  been  continually 
wiping  my  eyes,  to  enable  me  to  see  the  page.  Many  tears  I  see 
have  fallen  upon  my  paper. 


OK,  REVELATIONS    OF   A    VHYSICIAN's    WIFE.  325 

"  They  are  tears  of  gratitude,"  I  replied,  lifting  his  hand  to  my 
lips.  "  My  heart  is  so  full  it  overflows."  There  were  answering 
tears  in  his  eyes  then  ;  "  Cora,"  said  he  with  the  utmost  tenderness, 
•'  while  I  lay  upon  this  bed,  and  in  the  near  prospect  of  death,  I 
•>aw  that  I  had  made  idols  of  the  dear  ones  God  has  given  me  ; 
und  I  resolved,  his  grace  strengthening  me,  that  I  would  devote 
myself  more  entirely  to  him.  We  cannot  love  each  other  too^ 
nuch,  my  own  wife  ;  but  let  us  love  God  more.  While  we  love 
:ach  other,  and  our  dear  children,  let  us  not  forget  him,  who  so 
'oved  us  as  to  die  for  us." 

Tuesday,  September  IQth. 

My  dear  husband  gains  but  slowly.  He  has  not  yet  been  able 
•;o  have  his  bed  made,  but  he  says,  he  does  not  suffer  except  from 
.veakness.  After  being  absent  from  the  room  about  an  hour  to 
:^ive  Nelly  her  music  lesson,  I  returned  and  took  Pauline's  place 
1  >y  her  father's  side,  requesting  her  to  go  out  with  the  children  for 
u  walk. 

He  took  up  the  book,  she  had  turned  down  upon  the  bed,  sup 
posing  I  should  continue  the  reading.  "  I  hardly  know,"  said  he, 
<;  which  to  admire  the  more,  the  skill  of  the  teacher,  or  the  profi 
ciency  of  the  pupil.  Pauline  is  a  fine  reader,  and  her  voice  is 
very  musical." 

"  Yes,"  I  answered,  "  I  have  often  thought  her  voice  low  and 
melodious  as  the  daughters  of  Italy." 

"  She  may  be  one  of  them,"  he  replied,  closing  his  eyes. 
"  Cora,"  he  resumed  after  a  short  pause, "  I  have  had  time  to  think 
of  a  great  many  things  since  I  lay  here,  and  I  feel  that  I  have 
not  dealt  justly  by  our  daughter,  Pauline." 

"  Frank,"  said  I,  interrupting  him,  "  you  do  yourself  wrong." 

"  Hear  me  through,"  said  he  pleasantly.  "  I  do  not  mean  that 
I  do  not  love  her  enough,  for  there  is  no  difference  in  my  feelings 
toward  her,  and  her  lively  sister;  or  if  any,  my  love  is  more 
deep  and  sacred  to  the  child  of  our  adoption  ;  but  if  I  should  be 

28 


326  CORA   AND    THE    DOCTOR; 

taken  away,  she  could  not  inherit  a  share  of  my  property,  as  a 
child.  If  I  ever  rise  from  my  bed,  I  will  make  a  will,  so  that  all 
my  children  shall  share  alike."  I  pleaded  long  and  earnestly  with 
him  to  allow  me  the  privilege  of  making  over  to  her  my  own 
property,  which  he  had  insisted  upon  settling  upon  me. 

But  he  said  "  no,"  very  decidedly,  and  when  I  was  calm  enough 
to  hear,  he  explained  his  refusal  to  my  satisfaction. 

"  Pauline  has  no  idea  that  she  is  not  of  our  blood,  and  I  hope, 
she  may  never  know  it  —  unless  "  —  said  he,  "  but  that  is  very 
unlikely  "  —  and  stopped. 

"  I  know,  you  are  thinking  if  we  should  ever  discover  her 
parents ;  but  if  we  do,  she  is  nothing  to  them  as  she  is  to  us. 
They  have  never  inquired  for  her." 

"  Softly,"  said  Frank,  with  a  smile,  "  I  do  not  think  there  is  any 
occasion  for  you  to  distress  yourself;  your  imagination,  I  dare 
say,  has  already  pictured  her  mother  standing  before  you,  ready 
to  take  her  from  your  arms." 

I  laughed, "  Yes,"  I  answered,  "  pretty  neai'ly  that ;  but  go  on." 

"  If  any  such  event  should  occur,"  said  he,  returning  to  the 
subject  from  which  we  had  digressed,  "  a  difference  between  her 
and  them  might  call  up  feelings  and  explanations  Avhich  would  be 
unpleasant  to  all  concerned." 

I  fully  concurred  in  this  view  of  the  case,  and  then  we  discussed 
her  lovely  character,  and  heartily  agreed  that  we  had  reaped  a 
rich  reward  for  our  care  of  her,  in  the  influence  she  exerted  over 
her  brother  and  sister. 

«  Frank  obeys  her,"  said  I,  "  quite  as  readily  as  he  does  me, 
though  she  never  exercises  any  authority  over  him.  She  has  a 
charm,  I  believe ;  I  don't  know  what  I  should  do  without  her." 

"  I  fear,"  said  Frank,  "  you  '11  have  to  give  her  up  some  day." 

"  What  for  ?  "  said  I  eagerly. 

"  "Why  somebody  may  come  along  and  win  her  away." 

"  She  is  nothing  but  a  child,  only  seventeen  last  June." 

« And  how  many  years  older,  and  how  much  taller  was  my 


OK,  REVELATIONS   OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  327 

C  ora,  when  I  took  her  from  her  mother  ?  You  will  never  know 
h  >w  I  loved  you  for  taking  the  friendless  child  so  closely  to  your 
h  -art.  I  had  looked  forward  with  the  hope  that  God  would  bless 
our  union,  and  give  us  children  ;  but  I  had  not  thought  of  finding 
one  so  soon.  I  have  often  laughed  to  myself,"  he  continued,  "  at 
tl  e  remark  dear,  good  aunt  Susy  made  about  my  being  so  impa- 
ti  >nt '  for  a  darter  I  had  to  pick  one  up  in  the  streets,  and  give  to 
y<  >u.'  Good  old  soul !  She  hit  pretty  near  the  truth,  certainly. 
S  ;ldom  has  anything  given  me  greater  pleasure  than  when  you 
t:i  ught  the  little  creature  to  say  '  Papa,'  and  you  blushed  so  rosy 
tco.  I  dared  not  say  much  ;  I  feared  you  might  grow  weary  of 
tie  care.  I  had  not  then  learned  all  I  have  since.  But  when  I 
sjnv  you  give  up  many  pleasures  to  devote  yourself  to  the  little 
motherless  child,  and  particularly  when  I  witnessed  year  after 
year  your  care  of  her  education,  I  have  felt  that  you  would  have 
your  reward." 

Monday,  September  23d. 

Mother  and  I  are  now  obliged  to  exert  our  authority.  The 
Doctor  is  as  hungry  as  a  bear,  and  says  he  will  not  be  kept  on 
slops  any  longer.  He  spoke  so  much  like  a  child  begging  for 
some  cake,  or  bread  and  butter,  that  I  had  a  hearty  laugh  at  him. 
But  though  he  could  not  keep  from  laughing  in  sympathy,  yet  he 
says,  "  it  is  a  very  serious  matter ;  Dr.  Clapp  has  been  starving 
me  for  a  month  past,  and  now  I  intend  to  have  something  to  eat." 

Mother  promised  him  a  slice  of  toast  for  his  dinner,  and  he 
asked  half  a  dozen  times  in  the  course  of  an  hour  if  it  were  not 
dinner  time.  At  length  I  gave  him  the  watch  that  he  might  see 
for  himself.  When  Pauline  brought  the  toast  and  tea,  he  entered 
upon  the  discussion  of  them  with  such  a  grave  face,  as  if  it  were 
of  such  solemn  importance,  that  Pauline  and  I  had  enough  to  do 
to  keep  from  laughing  aloud,  which  in  the  present  state  of  his 
nerves  would  never  do. 

M other  says,  "it's  always  a  good  sign  when  children  are 
worrysome." 


328  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

But  the  Doctor  did  not  take  this  speech  at  all  well,  and  said 
with  a  grieved  look,  "  I  was  not  aware  I  had  given  occasion  for 
such  a  remark." 

Wednesday,  September  25th. 

We  have  had  war  in  the  camp.  But  I  must  explain.  I  noticed 
this  morning  that  Phebe  was  cooking  something  very  savory,  but 
thought  no  more  of  it.  Mother,  Pauline,  or  I,  have  always 
remained  with  the  Doctor  while  the  others  are  at  dinner. 

To-day  I  thought  I  would  remain ;  but  Frank  would  not  consent. 
Pauline  said,  "  No,  mamma,  I  '11  attend  to  father,"  at  the  same 
time  I  saw  that  she  was  very  much  flushed  and  looked  really 
distressed.  Frank  insisted  she  should  remain,  and  I  went  below, 
wondering  not  a  little  at  the  meaning  of  all  this.  After  I  had 
carved  for  the  others,  I  thought  so  much  of  Pauline's  looks,  that 
I  excused  myself  a  moment,  and  ran  softly  back  to  the  room. 

Judge  then  of  my  amazement  when  I  beheld  Phebe  standing 
before  her  master  holding  a  bowl,  while  the  Doctor  was  putting 
spoonful  after  spoonful  into  his  mouth,  as  fast  as  he  could.  Pau 
line  stood  by  looking  as  if  she  were  not  sure  whether  to  laugh  or 
to  cry. 

I  sprang  forward  to  take  the  bowl ;  but  quicker  than  thought, 
Phebe  had  caught  it  under  her  apron,  hoping  I  had  not  seen  it, 
while  the  Doctor  looked  like  a  whipped  dog.  The  whole  affair 
was  so  ludicrous,  that  it  was  with  the  utmost  difficulty,  I  could 
keep  my  countenance.  But  endeavoring  to  look  very  stern,  J. 
said,  "  Dr.  Frank  Lenox,  you  will  please  to  tell  me  what  you 
have  been  eating  ?  "  He  had  already  eaten  a  hearty  dinner  for  a 
sick  man,  not  half  an  hour  before. 

There  was  no  reply. 

"  Well  then,"  said  I,  "  there  is  no  help  for  it.  I  must  give  you 
a  dose  of  castor  oil."  I  proceeded  toward  the  closet,  as  if  I  were 
intending  to  administer  it  to  him  at  once,  while  I  was  thankful  for 
an  opportunity  to  relax  my  stern  countenance. 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  329 

"  Cora,"  cried  the  Doctor,  "  don't  give  me  any."  His  voice 
was  feeble,  and  I  could  carry  the  joke  no  farther. 

"  Well,  then,  what  can  I  do  ? "  I  asked,  returning  to  him. 
"  Phebe,  do  you  know  that  what  you  were  giving  your  master 
may  cause  his  death  ?  " 

Pauline  began  to  cry,  "  Oh,  mamma,  I  was  afraid  I  was  not 
doing  right,  but  father  so  longed  for  some  chicken  broth." 

"  Laws  missus ! "  said  Phebe,  uncovering  the  bowl,  "  'tan't  got 
no  strength  to  it.  'Pears  like  he's  powerful  hungry.  I  'clare 
your  ole  Phebe  be  de  last  one  make  the  broth  too  strong  for  sick 
mass'r." 

I  tasted  the  broth  and  finding  it  really  weak,  I  hoped  my  hun 
gry  patient  had  sustained  no  real  injury.  The  Doctor  put  out 
his  hand  to  Pauline,  and  in  a  most  child-like  tone  said,  "  I  was 
the  only  one  to  blame,  dear  child." 

She  kissed  him,  and  I  motioned  her  to  go  below.  Frank  look 
ed  as  if  he  thought  he  deserved  a  punishment,  and  expected  to 
receive  it ;  but  some  how  I  never  could  punish  a  child  who 
appeared  sorry,  and  just  so  I  felt  in  this  case;  and  therefore  I 
merely  said,  "  I  will  help  you  to  lie  down,  and  will  read  to  you. 
My  dear  husband,"  I  said,  when  I  rose  to  go  below  for  my  dinner, 
"  if  the  broth  does  not  injure  you,  I  will  ask  Dr.  Clapp  to  let  you 
have  a  dinner  of  it  to-morrow." 

He  looked  his  thanks  and  pressed  my  hand.  I  am  more  than 
ever  convinced  that  man  was  made  to  command,  and  woman  to 
obey,  and  that  the  rule  in  that  good  old  fashioned  book  is  right, 
"  wives  reverence  your  husbands  —  husbands  love  your  wives." 

Tuesday,  October  1st. 

Frank  is  so  much  better,  that  he  not  only  eats  broth,  but 
chicken  and  eggs.  I  believe,  he  would  eat  six  meals  a  day,  if  we 
would  carry  them  to  him.  But  I  think  he  is  gi'owing  a  little  moi'e 
rational.  Pauline  came  to  me  the  other  day,  very  much  grieved 
at  herself  for  carrying  the  broth  to  her  father.  He  had  begged 

28* 


330  CORA  AND   THE  DOCTOR; 

her  to  ask  Phebe  up,  when  mother  and  I  were  away,  enjoining 
the  strictest  secrecy  upon  her,  and  the  poor  child  knew  not  what 
to  do.  I  comforted  her  with  the  thought  that  no  harm  had  come 
of  it,  and  she  would  know  better  next  time, 

Frank  sits  up  almost  all  day,  and  we  are  beginning  to  feel  a 
little  settled.  School  lessons  are  vigorously  learned,  Pauline 
having  been  duly  installed  in  my  place  as  teacher.  I  have  as 
much  as  I  can  do  to  take  care  of  my  patient,  who  is,  however, 
rather  impatient  sometimes,  if  I  am  long  out  of  the  room. 

If  I  leave  him  with  mother,  I  have  to  set  the  exact  time  .that 
I  will  return,  and  give  him  the  watch  to  mark  the  minutes. 
Though  often  inconvenient,  yet  it  is  delightful  to  have  him  long 
ing  for  me  to  be  with  him.  I  would  not  for  worlds  have  it  other 
wise. 

Monday,  October  7th. 

I  have  some  wonderful  news  for  you,  dear  mother.  It  is  our 
present  intention  to  leave  America  just  as  soon  as  the  Doctor  is 
able,  spend  the  winter  and  spring  in  the  south  of  France,  and 
return  home  by  way  of  England. 

We  should  not  be  able  to  do  this,  if  it  were  not  for  our  kind 
friend  and  physician,  Dr.  Clapp.  I  love  him  as  a  dear  brother, 
and  there  is  a  most  delightful  intercourse  between  our  families.  I 
have  not  time  to  tell  you  how  this  plan  came  about  so  quickly ; 
only  to  say  that  it  is  nothing  new  to  the  Doctor ;  but  he  has  been 
keeping  it  to  himself.  Mother  will  spend,  at  least,  part  of  the 
winter  with  Emily,  and  Ann  will  go  with  her.  Crcsar  and  Phebe 
will  remain  here.  Ruth  is  to  accompany  us  with  all  the  children. 

Thursday,  October  10th. 
We  hope  to  leave  in  the  "  Unicorn,"  which  sails  the  twenty-fifth 
of  this  month.     The  Doctor  has  rode  out  once,  and  it  did  him 
great  good.     Pauline  is  much  pleased  with  the  prospect  of  visit 
ing  Europe,  while  Nelly  and  Frank  are  perfectly  wild  with  delight. 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN  S   WIFE. 

We  may  meet  Joseph  Morgan,  who  has  been  in  business  in  France 
for  two  years  or  more. 

Friday,  October  llth. 

I  have  but  a  moment  to  tell  you  that  preparations  are  going  on 
briskly.  Emily  Benson  has  come  over  from  the  parsonage  and 
is  very  efficient  assistance.  She  thinks  of  everything.  Mr. 
Benson  lost  nothing  by  waiting  five  years  for  her.  She  has 
developed  into  a  splendid  woman,  and  is  universally  beloved  in 
the  parish.  "  Her  husband  also  and  he  praiseth  her." 

Though  every  moment  is  precious,  yet  I  cannot  refrain  from 
repeating  a  remark  of  our  good  friend,  Mrs.  Marshall,  wife  of  the 
Attorney  General,  in  relation  to  our  dear  sister.  She  said,  "  Mr. 
Benson's  family  reminds  me  of  Cowper's  description  of  his  friends, 
the  Unwins,  '  Go  when  I  will,  I  find  a  house  full  of  peace  and 
eoi'diality  in  all  its  parts  and  am  sure  to  hear  no  scandal,  but  such 
discourse  instead  of  it,  as  we  are  all  the  better  for.' " 

You  would  laugh  if  you  could  see  the  quantity  of  baggage 
master  Franky  has  collected  for  the  journey,  and  which  he  has 
no  doubt  aunt  Emily  will  be  able  to  get  into  his  trunks.  This 
moving  a  whole  family  for  an  absence  of  nine  months,  which  is 
probably  the  length  of  time  we  shall  be  away  from  home,  is  no 
trifling  matter. 

Mother  insists  that  I  shall  not  trouble  myself  with  a  thought 
about  home  arrangements.  She  will  attend  to  everything  here. 
My  dear  husband  gains  a  little  every  day,  and  I  think  would  gain 
faster  if  it  were  not  for  his  anxiety  to  do  more  than  he  is  able, 
lie  has  been  so  long  accustomed  to  take  care  of  all  of  us,  that  he 
can  hardly  restrain  himself  until  he  is  overcome  with  fatigue. 

Wednesday,  October  23d. 

Dear  mother,  our  trunks  are  packed,  and  we  are  on  the  eve  of 
departure.  To-morrow  morning  we  leave  for  New  York,  and  are 
lo  sail  on  Thursday.  * 


332 


CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR. 


A  day  or  two  since  the  Doctor  received  a  champagne-basket 
full,  not  of  wine,  but  of  London  porter,  from  his  gi'ateful  patient, 
Lucy  Mansfield.  This  we  are  to  take  with  us,  and  Frank  has 
already  received  benefit  from  it.  With  love  to  all  the  dear  ones 
at  home,  I  must  bid  you  farewell.  I  intend  to  take  my  journal 
with  me  to  New  York  and  mail  it  from  thence. 


CHAPTER    XXXIII. 

"  With  wild  surprise 
As  if  to  marble  struck  devoid  of  sense, 
A  stupid  moment  motionless  she  stood."        THOMSON. 

Nice,  France,   Tuesday,  December  Wth,  1850. 

DEAR  MOTHER,  —  After  a  long,  but  not  tedious  voyage,  the 
rood  ship  "  Unicorn,"  bore  us  gallantly  into  the  port  of  Havre, 
vvhere  we  arrived  on  the  twenty-eighth  of  November. 

I  could  almost  see  my  dear  husband  gain  in  flesh  and  strength, 
so  rapidly  did  he  improve.  He  walks  about  now  as  erect  and 
strong  as  ever.  We  tarried  but  two  days  in  Havre,  and  then 
proceeded  to  this  place,  where  we  are  comfortably  established  for 
1  he  winter.  That  is,  we  shall  be,  when  we  can  get  our  trunks 
unpacked. 

I  don't  know  but  I  shall  regret  not  having  taken  mother  Lenox's 
advice  to  bring  Ann  instead  of  Ruth.  The  poor  girl  appears 
almost  demented,  as  she  cannot  understand  a  word  of  the  lan 
guage  ;  and  whenever  I  send  her  to  the  kitchen  to  bring  water,  or 
anything  from  thence,  I  hear  a  perfect  roar  of  laughter  from  the 
borvants  at  her  droll  talk  and  signs.  She  generally  comes  back 
empty  handed  as  she  went,  rolling  her  white  eyes  from  side  to 
•side,  while  she  sometimes  laughs,  and  sometimes  cries  at  her"  poor 
luck,"  as  she  calls  it.  To-day  she  came  to  me  in  great  indignation, 
saying,  "  I  'clare,  missus,  'pears  like  I'se  could  n't  bring  down  my 
idees  to  make  dem  doe  heads  'stand  anything  I'se  seb.  I'se  tink 
d<-y  find  dis  chile  has  been  brought  up  in  de  way  to  teach  dein 
manners." 


334  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

The  weather  is  perfectly  delightful.  I  only  wish  all  the  dear 
ones  I  love  were  here  to  enjoy  it  with  us.  It  is  quite  fortunate 
for  me  that  I  have  no  household  cares,  for  I  have  a  double  portion 
of  journalizing.  I  promised  to  write  mother  Lenox,  in  the  same 
full,  free  manner,  as  I  have  always  written  to  you.  And  as  the 
same  journal  will  be  passed  from  mother  to  Emily,  and  from  Emily 
to  Lucy,  and  from  Lucy  to  somebody  else,  I  must  be  especially  care 
ful  of  my  style,  while  in  writing  to  you  I  merely  let  my  pen  travel 
on  at  its  utmost  speed,  and  with  our  own  poet, 

"  I  feel  a  certain  tingling  come 
Down  to  my  fingers,  and  my  thumb." 

Perhaps  you  can  imagine,  but  I  cannot  describe  to  you,  the 
thrill  of  delight  which  I  felt  when  I  first  stepped  upon  terra  frma 
in  Havre  ;  and  remembered  that  though  still  far  from  home,  and 
the  grave  of  my  dear  father ;  yet  I  was  in  the  same  hemisphere 
with  yourself  and  my  beloved  sisters. 

No  ocean  rolled  between  us. 

I  was  quite  amused  at  a  discussion,  I  overheard  between  Kelly 
and  Frank,  just  before  I  commenced  writing.  Nelly  was  earnestly 
talking  of  the  pleasure  she  anticipated  in  going  to  England,  and 
wishing  the  time  were  already  come.  In  both  expectation  '-and 
regret,  she  was  cordially  joined  by  her  brother.  She  then  pro 
ceeded  to  give  Frank  a  particular  account  of  aunt  Nelly  which 
could  hardly  be  from  memory ;  and  ended  by  saying,  "  I  am  the 
most  related  to  her  of  any  of  the  family." 

This,  Frank  stoutly  denied,  saying,  "  She  is  as  much  my  aunt 
as  yours."  After  quite  a  warm  discussion  of  this  interesting  point, 
the  disputants  agreed  to  leave  it  to  Ruth,  who,  after  carefully 
weighing  the  subject,  said  in  a  very  gracious  tone  to  Frank,  "  I 
'spects,  she  is,  Mass'r  Frank.  But  then  'pears  like  its  you  that 's 
the  nearest  to  mass'r,  'cause  your  name  be  like  his."  I  hope 
Mrs.  Colonel  Morton  will  not  be  unduly  elated  at  the  honor  to 
which  Nelly  aspires. 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  335 


Saturday,  December 
Willi  the  Doctor's  efficient  aid,  we  are  now  reduced  to  order  ; 
j  nd  can  find  a  dress  or  apron  without  strewing  the  floor  with  the 
<  ontents  of  three  or  four  trunks.  The  same  hands  have  driven 
i  p  an  innumerable  number  of  nails  for  clothes,  of  which  lluth 
:ind  I  have  made  extempore  closets  by  sewing  rings  to  a  sheet, 
;  nd  hanging  them  in  front,  so  that  we  have  only  to  put  aside  our 
(  urtain,  and  we  are  in  the  inclosure,  while  coats,  dresses,  and  other 
c  lothes  are  free  from  dust.  Master  Franky  has  a  trunk  devoted 
1  3  him  for  his  toys,  and  so  far  thinks  it  much  more  convenient  than 
1  is  drawers  and  lockers  at  home.  Another  trunk  has  been 
j'.ssigned  to  books,  slates  and  apparatus.  School  commenced  in 
earnest  to-day. 

The  Doctor  has  sent  for  a  piano,  that  the  children  may  not 
lose  their  practice.  He  also  intends  Pauline  to  take  lessons  on 
the  harp.  I  am  not,  as  you  know,  a  proficient  upon  that  instru 
ment. 

I  have  added  to  my  family  a  little  French  girl,  daughter  of  one 
of  tTie  peasants,  who  was  very  willing  to  leave  her  parents  for  a 
time,  to  come  to  us.  Ruth  is  a  very  good  sempstress  ;  and  I  find 
enough  of  that  employment  for  her,  and  in  following  "mass'r 
Franky  "  in  his  walks  of  discovery  about  the  town. 

My  husband  chose  this  location  from  the  fact  of  its  being  so 
healthy  ;  and  because  there  is  a  Protestant  church  here.  Nice  is 
a  great  resort  for  invalids.  There  are  quite  a  number  of  families 
here  at  present.  One  lady,  with  her  husband,  child  and  servant 
occupy  rooms  above  ours.  Frank  intends  calling  with  me  on  the 
aged  pastor,  whom  we  have  not  seen  except  at  church.  Our 
landlord  speaks  of  him  with  the  greatest  enthusiasm  and  affection  ; 
and  ascribes  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  the  place  mainly  to  his 
influence,  and  untiring  efforts  for  the  good  of  his  people. 

Friday,  December  20th. 
There  is  very  little  variety  in  our  life,  and  I  fear,  I  shall  not 


336  CORA  AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

be  able  to  relate  much  that  will  interest  you.  I  give  six  hours  a 
day  to  the  children,  while  Pauline  recites  in  mathematics  and 
Italian  to  her  father.  I  wish,  dear  mother,  you  could  see  our 
Pauline  again.  She  reminds  me  of  an  author,  who  describing  a 
young  lady,  says,  "  she  is  near  that  age,  sixteen,  at  which  every 
day  brings  with  it  some  new  beauty  to  her  form."  No  one  can  be 
more  modest,  nor,  (which  seems  wonderful  in  a  woman,)  more 
silent ;  yet  when  she  speaks  you  might  believe  a  muse  was  speak 
ing.  But  then  her  face, 

"  So  lovely,  yet  so  arch,  so  full  of  mirth, 
The  overflowings  of  an  innocent  heart." 

She  is  silent  only  when  strangers  are  present.  In  the  company 
of  those  she  loves,  she  is  all  animation,  and  merriment.  Her 
father  says  it  is  a  perfect  delight  to  teach  her.  The  remainder 
of  the  school  hours  Frank  devotes  to  reading,  which  is  a  real 
luxury  to  him,  reserving  his  walks  until  we  can  accompany  him. 

The  Doctor  and  myself  called  last  evening  upon  Mr.  Percival, 
whose  gray  locks,  and  venerable  aspect  had  already  inspired  us 
with  respect.  He  received  us  with  the  kindness  of  a  father,  and 
related  many  incidents  connected  with  his  flock  which  were  very 
pleasing.  He  has  established  two  schools,  one  for  infant  scholars, 
and  another  for  those  more  advanced.  The  infant  scholars,  how 
ever,  are  many  of  them  near  a  dozen  years  of  age.  He  accom 
panied  us  part  of  the  way  on  our  return  to  visit  an  English 
gentleman,  who  is  very  sick  and  has  come  here  to  die.  "  Perhaps," 
said  the  old  gentleman, "  at  some  future  time,  I  may  communicate 
some  facts  relative  to  his  history.  His  life  has  been  one  of  no 
common  interest." 

We  parted  from  our  companion  with  regret,  having  obtained 
from  him  a  promise  to  return  our  call  at  his  earliest  convenience. 

Monday,  December  23d. 
This  morning  an  incident  occurred,  which  for  want  of  other 


OK,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  337 

ixcitement,  has  given  us  a  fruitful  subject  for  conversation.     Ilav- 
ng  observed  a  retired  spot  not  far  distant  from  the  house  where 
he  invalid  of  whom  I  spoke  was  stopping,  we  turned  our  steps 
oward  it,  and  found  it  to  be  a  family  bury  ing  place  containing  five 
graves,  upon  one  of  which  was  a  beautifully  white  marble  monu 
ment,  inscribed   with  the   simple   word   "Imogen."     We   stood 
a  while  to  weave  each  for  ourselves  a  history  of  this  loved  one, 
vhose  grave  was  of  the  usual  size  of  a  fully  grown  woman.    Per- 
laps  she  was  an  only  daughter,  or  a  young  wife,  whose  early 
departure  had  cast  a  gloom  over  a  large  family. 

Pauline  and  Nelly  who  started  with  us  had  lingered  on  the 
M'ay,  and  came  in  sight  just  as  we  turned  to  leave  the  place, 
fleeting  our  good  friend,  Mr.  Percival,  we  walked  on  slowly 
together,  leaving  them  to  visit  the  simple  grave.  It  was  nearly 
j  u  hour  before  they  returned.  The  Doctor  and  I  were  enjoying 
!i  delightful  conversation  with  our  aged  friend,  who  had  accom 
panied  us  home,  when  Nelly  came  bounding  into  the  room,  saying, 
ia  an  excited  tone,  "  oh,  mamma ! "  But  seeing  we  were  not 
alone  she  checked  herself,  and  was  introduced  together  with 
Pauline  to  our  visitor.  I  gazed  at  Pauline  with  wonder.  Her 
whole  countenance  was  lighted  with  animation.  Her  eyes  sparkled, 
and  there  was  the  richest  bloom  upon  her  cheeks.  I  saw  at  a 
glance  that  something  unusual  had  occurred,  and  said  inquiringly, 
"  Well,  my  daughters,  have  you  had  a  pleasant  walk  ?  " 
"  Very,"  they  replied,  and  retired  from  the  room. 
Our  visitor  had  no  sooner  taken  his  departure  than  they  came 
running  in,  eager  to  communicate  their  adventure. 

"  Oh,  mamma  ! "  exclaimed  Nelly,  throwing  herself  into  a  chair, 
"  Pauline  has  had  such  a  scene." 

'•  Yes,  mamma,"  said  Pauline,  "  I  never  expected  to  create  such 
a  sensation  as  I  did  soon  after  you  left.  I  went  to  the  cemetery 
with  Nelly,  and  after  walking  around  had  thrown  myself  down 
before  the  monument  marked  '  Imogen.'  I  was  imagining  my 

29 


338  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOB  ; 

own  feelings,  had  the  interred  been  my  mother,  and  thinking  if 
such  were  the  case,  how  I  should  love  to  visit  her  grave,  and 
plant  flowers  around  it,  when  J  looked  up  to  meet  the  glance  of  a 
young  man  who  was  tenderly  assisting  an  old  gentleman  toward 
the  very  spot  where  I  knelt,  while  in  one  hand  he  carried  a 
portable  seat.  A  single  glance  sufficed  to  assure  me  that  they 
were  mourners  for  some  beloved  friend  lying  there  ;  and  I  sprang 
up  hastily  and  apologized  for  my  intrusion.  The  old  gentleman 
had  not  appeared  to  observe  me  until  I  spoke ;  but  then  he  started 
back  as  if  he  had  seen  a  ghost,  and  would  have  fallen  to  the 
ground  had  not  his  companion  hastily  thrown  down  the  stool,  and 
caught  him  in  his  arms.  I  opened  it,  and  stepping  behind  them 
motioned  the  younger  one  that  it  would  be  better  to  let  him  be 
seated.  He  put  his  hand  feebly  to  his  head,  saying  audibly,  *  Oh, 
my  God  !  support  me  under  this.'  Then  turning  to  his  son,  he 
said, '  Did  you  see  her,  Eugene  ? ' 

"  <  Who,  father  ? ' 

« ( "VVhy  oh !  I  forgot  myself.  Let  us  return  ;  I  can't  stay  here. 
Perhaps  she  '11  come  back.' 

" '  Dear  father,  your  eyes  have  deceived  you.  It  was  only  a 
young  lady  who  happened  to  be  reading  the  epitaph  upon  the 
tomb  stone  ;'  and  he  turned  to  look  again  at  me. 

"  I  had  lost  all  power  of  motion,  and  was  so  drawn  toward 
father  and  son,  that  I  had  not  thought  of  moving. 

" '  You  have  been  so  very  anxious,'  continued  the  young  man, 
'  to  come  here  once  more,  and  the  air  is  so  balmy  to-day,  I  fear 
you  will  not  have  so  favorable  an  opportunity  again.' 

"  A  deep  sigh  was  the  only  reply  ;  and  the  son  took  a  pocket- 
handkerchief,  and  tenderly  wiped  his  father's  forehead,  as  he 
leaned  against  his  breast.  '  Perhaps,'  said  he,  addressing  me  in 
French,  <  you  will  come  around  in  front  of  the  grave.  My  father 
is  much  agitated  at  your  sudden  appearance.' 

"  I  replied,  in  English,  that  I  was  very  sorry  for  what  had 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  339 

happened ;  and  regretted  that  I  had  been  led  by  curiosity  to 
intrude  upon  their  retirement. 

" '  No  apology  is  necessary/  he  replied. 

"  '  To  whom  are  you  talking,  Eugene  ? '  asked  the  invalid  in  a 
very  feeble  voice. 

"  '  To  the  lady,  you  saw,  father,'  and  he  made  a  motion  with  his 
hand  for  me  to  stand  where  he  could  see  me. 

"  I  did  so,  but  no  sooner  did  the  old  gentleman  perceive  me, 
than  he  started  forward  holding  out  both  his  hands  as  if  to  em 
brace  me  ;  and  then  with  a  dreadful  groan  fell  back  into  the  arms 
of  his  son. 

" '  Oh  !  what  can  I  do  for  you  ? '  I  asked  in  affright. 

"  *  Fly,'  said  he,  '  to  that  house,'  pointing  to  the  nearest  one, 
and  call  for  help.  Stay,'  he  continued  quickly,  '  if  you  could 
:iold  him,  I  could  go  quicker.' 

" '  Nelly,  I  exclaimed,  as  she  came  running  toward  me,  after 
ivandering  all  over  the  enclosure, '  Run  as  quick  as  you  can  to 
1  hat  house,  and  tell  the  servants  their  master  has  fainted  by  the 
grave,  and  they  must  come  directly.'  I  knew  Nelly's  skill  in 
running  would  serve  a  good  purpose  on  this  occasion.  I  gave 
j^ugene,  as  his  father  called  him,  my  salts,  and  kneeling  down 
vigorously  rubbled  the  cold  hands  in  mine. 

"  '  I  cannot  account  for  it,'  said  he,  '  why  my  father  is  so  much 
agitated  at  the  sight  of  you  ;  but  as  he  is  so  perhaps  it  will  be  as 
well  for  you  to  stand  aside  when  he  recovers  his  consciousness.' 

"  In  a  very  short  time,  Nelly  returned  in  company  with  a  man 
and  woman.  The  man  brought  a  chair  with  pillows  in  it,  and  in 
this  they  speedily  placed  the  unconscious  invalid,  and  carried  him 
away.  Eugene  merely  said,  '  I  shall  see  you  again,'  as  he 

Irft." 

My  dear  mother,  you  who  are  acquainted  with  Pauline's  history 
may  judge  in  some  slight  degree  of  our  feelings  upon  hearing  of 
this  adventure.  I  glanced  at  Frank,  who  turned  very  pale,  but 
said  nothing.  Pauline  got  up  with  considerable  excitement  in  her 


CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

tone,  and  manner,  and  stood  before  a  small  mirror  which  hung  in 
the  room,  saying, "  I  cannot  conceive  for  whom  the  old  gentleman 
could  have  taken  me.  I  'm  sure  I  don't  see  as  I  look  like  anybody 
but  father."  She  has  often  been  told  of  her  close  resemblance  to  him. 
After  she  had  left  the  room,  Frank  and  I  talked  over  the 
singularity  of  the  event ;  but  concluded  that  we  were  not  called 
upon  to  make  any  inquiries  with  regard  to  the  old  gentleman's 
agitation,  as  he  is  an  Englishman,  and  Pauline  was,  without  doubt, 
a  Tiative  of  France.  He  is  doubtless  the  one  to  whom  Mr. 
Percival  alluded  in  our  first  interview. 

Tuesday,  December  2ith. 

Last  night  after  Pauline's  adventure  I  was  so  very  nervous  and 
excited  that  I  could  not  sleep.  I  imagined  the  most  improbable 
events,  until  I  felt  a  perfect  horror  from  the  possibility  that  Pau 
line  might  be  related  to  these  people.  I  awoke  Frank  to  ask  him 
if  he  had  brought  the  packet  we  received  with  her. 

He  replied  that  he  had,  but  thought  it  was  altogether  probable 
we  should  carry  it  back  as  wise  as  we  came.  I  told  him  1  had 
not  slept,  and  he  quite  laughed  at  me  for  making  so  much  of  a 
mere  accident.  He  said  that  my  imagination  was  always  running 
away  with  me.  I  tried  to  think  so  myself  and  was  soon  asleep. 

To-day  Mr.  Percival  came  in  to  invite  us  to  attend  service  in 
the  chapel  to-morrow,  (Christmas,)  and  having  sent  the  children 
out  for  a  walk,  the  Doctor  asked  him  the  name  of  the  English 
gentleman  who  was  so  ill. 

"  Clifford,"  he  replied,  hesitating  a  moment.  "  Henry  Clifford. 
He  is,  or  was  a  colonel  in  the  English  army."  I  saw  Frank  give 
a  sudden  start,  and  then  checked  himself  and  went  on  with  the 
conversation. 

Mr.  Percival  hinted  that  domestic  trials  had  brought  on  prema 
ture  old  age  ;  that  after  having  been  for  many  years  separated 
from  his  wife,  he  had  come  here  to  die  by  her  grave.  "  Is  it  the 
one  marked  ( Imogen  ? '"  I  inquired. 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  341 

'  Yes,  and  the  house  you  see  from  the  spot  is  where  she  was  born. 
r  "he  estate  now  belongs  to  her  son." 

"  Was  he  an  only  child  ?  "  I  asked,  almost  gasping  in  my 
( agerness  for  a  reply. 

"  There  was  an  infant  who  died  about  the  same  time  as  its 
i  .other." 

"  What  was  the  cause  of  their  separation  ?  "  asked  Frank. 

"  I  never  understood  sufficiently  to  relate,"  he  replied  in  rather 
a  reserved  tone ;  and  feeling  entirely  relieved  from  my  great 
burden,  I  cared  not  to  hear  more.  When  Pauline  returned,  I 
somewhat  astonished  the  dear  child  by  the  vehemence  of  my 
e  ubrace.  But  recollecting  myself,  I  pressed  Miss  Ellen  also  in 
n  y  arms,  that  she  might  not  suspect  any  particular  emotion. 

"  What  has  happened,  mamma  ? "  said  Pauline,  "  you  look 
u  i  usually  happy."  * 

'<  I  am  so,  my  dear,"  1  could  not  avoid  saying. 

"  And  lovely  too,  mamma,"  giving  me  another  kiss. 

After  he  left,  Frank  went  to  his  desk,  and  taking  out  the  card 
upon  which  he  had  written  the  name  of  the  gentleman  to  whom  he 
had  been  entrusted  with  the  dying  confession  of  Squire  Lee,  looked 
earnestly  at  it,  hoping  the  name  was  the  same.  But  no,  that  was 
Shirley.  He  said  while  Mr.  Percival  was  here,  the  thought  that 
this  might  be  the  very  man  concerning  whom  he  had  made  so 
many  inquiries,  flashed  through  his  mind.  It  had  been  so  long 
since  he  had  despaired  of  learning  anything  about  him  that  he 
had  forgotten  the  name. 

Wednesday,  December  25th. 

We  have  had  a  very  quiet  Christmas,  that  is,  since  Franky  has 
dor, o  shouting  over  the  contents  of  his  stocking.  Miss  Nelly  is 
really  growing  into  a  young  lady.  She  came  to  me  last  evening, 
and  having  drawn  me  to  a  part  of  the  room  where  she  was  sure 
her  father  could  not  hear,  she  whispered  that  she  thought  she  was 
too  eld  to  hang  up  a  stocking,  for  she  had  known  a  long  time  who 

29* 


842  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

put  the  presents  in  it ;  and  that  she  would  as  soon  have  them 
given  directly  to  her. 

I  laughed  so  much  at  the  idea  of  her  thinking  herself  grown 
up,  that  her  father  insisted  upon  sharing  the  joke  ;  and  somewhat 
to  the  young  lady's  annoyance,  I  informed  him  that  she  had  become 
too  old  to  be  treated  like  a  child.  He  called  her  to  sit  on  his 
knee,  and  told  her  he  must  have  her  for  a  baby  a  long  time  yet. 
She  was  so  much  better  than  Franky,  who  would  not  sit  still  a 
moment. 

But  Miss  only  pouted  until  he  whistled,  and  held  up  his  gold 
pencil  case  for  her  to  play  with,  then  saying, "  Baby  want  to  hear 
papa's  watch  tick,  tick  ?  "  when  she  "  laughed  tears,"  and  Pauline 
came  running  in  to  see  what  caused  all  the  merriment. 

Nelly  sprang  up  from  her  father's  lap,  saying,  "  sister  would 
make  a  far  better  baby  than  i  should." 

Pauline  went  and  put  her  arms  lovingly  around  her  father's 
neck,  and  said  as  she  laid  her  cheek  against  his,  "  I  should  be 
contented  to  be  a  baby  in  this  way  forever." 

We  took  our  whole  family  to  church,  filling  up  one  entire  slip. 
Franky  was  particularly  polite  to  Ruth,  whom  he  had  requested 
leave  to  invite  to  sit  with  us  on  this  occasion.  He  took  the  book 
of  hymns  from  his  sister,  and  passed  it  to  his  sable  friend,  a  kind 
ness  which  Ruth  fully  appreciated.  ^ 

A  young  gentleman  about  twenty  years  of  age  sat  near  us.  I 
could  not  avoid  noticing  that  his  eyes  seldom  turned  from  our 
pew.  He  was  a  fine,  frank  looking  fellow,  with  light,  curly  hair, 
and  fair  complexion.  But  his  principal  beauty  was  a  pair  of 
brilliant  eyes  ;  very  bright,  but  soft  and  mild  in  their  expression. 
I  saw  that  Pauline  was  confused  by  the  young  man's  ardent  gaze, 
and  1  was  surprised  as  we  came  out  of  the  aisle  to  see  that  she 
slightly  returned  his  bow.  But  I  had  not  much  time  to  wonder, 
before  Nelly  whispered,  "  mamma,  that 's  Pauline's  '  Eugene.' 
I  saw  by  a  smile  on  his  countenance  that  the  young  man  had 
heard  her  introduction  ;  and  we  were  relieved  from  rather  an  awk- 


OR,  REVELATIONS   OFwA   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  343 

ward  meeting,  by  Mr.  Percival,  who  inquired  about  his  father, 
and  then  introduced  him  to  us. 

Young  Clifford  represented  his  father  as  very  feeble,  and  said 
it  Avould  be  a  great  kindness  if  the  Doctor  would  call  and  see  him. 
This  Frank  readily  promised  to  do.  As  we  went  the  same  way 
the  young  man  walked  by  Pauline,  and  did  not  leave  her  until  we 
reached  our  own  door. 

Nelly  was  delighted  with  him,  and  her  sister  frankly  said  she 
thought  him  uncommonly  pleasing. 

The  Catholic  part  of  the  community  went  early  in  the  day,  to 
their  church  to  attend  service,  and  spent  the  rest  of  the  time  in 
sports.  They  are  now  returning  from  the  visits  and  places  of 
amusement.  Some  of  them  are  rather  noisy ;  but  generally  they 
appear  weary  and  fatigued. 

Saturday,  December  28t/i. 

Not  a  day  has  passed  since  our  introduction  to  young  Clifford, 
(or  Eugene  as  Nelly  insists  upon  calling  him)  without  our  meet 
ing  him  either  in  a  walk,  or  by  his  coming  to  our  place.  The 
Doctor  has  also  called  twice  upon  Colonel  Clifford,  who  is  now 
constantly  confined  to  his  bed.  Frank  says  he  is  not  more  than 
forty-seven  years  of  age,  but  sorrow  has  placed  a  heavy  mark 
upon  him.  He  expressed  much  pleasure  that  his  son  had  found 
friends  in  our  family.  I  rather  think  our  partial  friend,  Mr. 
Percival,  has  spoken  of  us  in  his  presence.  He  is  very  much 
depressed  in  spirits ;  and  says  there  are  periods  of  his  life,  he 
would  give  a  great  deal  to  be  able  to  live  over  again.  He  speaks 
with  the  utmost  tenderness  of  his  son,  and  says,  "  If  he  were  an 
experimental  Christain,  I  could  ask  no  more.  He  is  everything 
C'lse  the  fondest  father  could  desire." 

After  this  expression  the  Doctor  conversed  with  him  upon 
religious  subjects.  "Ah,"  said  the  sick  man,  "what  should  I 
have  done  but  for  the  support  of  religion ! "  He  hinted  that  at 
times  his  mental  distress  had  been  so  great,  that  if  it  had  not 


344  CORA  AND   THE  DOCTOR; 

been  for  his  religious  principles,  he  fears  he  should  have  yielded 
to  the  suggestions  of  the  adversary,  and  have  put  an  end  to  his 
life.  "  But  God/'  he  added,  "  has  mercifully  preserved  me ;  and 
will  preserve  me  until  the  end." 

Eugene  shares  not  at  all  in  his  father's  depression ;  but  is  very 
lively  as  well  as  gentle.  He  says  he  has  been  obliged  to  act  the 
part  of  a  daughter  as  well  as  that  of  a  son,  for  his  father  has  been 
an  invalid  ever  since  his  remembrance. 

• 

Pauline  asked,  "  How  long  has  your  mother  been  dead  ?  " 
He  replied,  "  Many  years.    I  have  only  a  slight  recollection  of 
her ;  and  it  is  a  subject  upon  which  my  father  never  speaks." 

I  saw  that  this  remark  excited  Pauline's  compassion.  He  also 
noticed  it,  and  made  the  most  of  it.  I  felt  really  a  little  jealous 
of  him  to-day,  she  looked  up  at  him  with  such  a  simple  trust.  I 
must  be  on  the  watch.  We  know  so  little  of  him,  and  there  is 
such  a  mystery  about  the  family. 

Wednesday,  January  1st.,  1851. 

I  wish  you  a  happy  new  year,  dear  mother.  Eugene  came 
early  this  morning  with  his  bright  face  to  wish  us  the  same.  He 
said  his  father  had  sent  him  out  for  a  walk,  and  he  invited  Pauline 
and  Nelly  to  accompany  him.  I  gave  my  consent,  though  with 
some  reluctance.  The  truth  is,  he  is  one  of  those  lovely  young 
men,  who  when  they  are  present  carry  all  before  them.  Frank 
took  the  opportunity  to  walk  over  and  see  his  father. 

Colonel  Clifford  really  smiled  when  told  that  his  son  had  called 
and  taken  off  the  young  ladies  for  a  walk  ;  but  a  tear  stood  in  hid 
eye  as  he  replied,  "  Eugene  has  never  had  an  opportunity  to  be 
much  in  the  company  of  ladies.  I  am  very  much  pleased  that  he 
has  chosen  such  society."  He  again  expressed  gratitude  for  our 
kindness  to  his  poor  boy,  who  would  soon  be  an  orphan.  The 
Doctor,  at  Colonel  Clifford's  request,  prayed  with  him.  After 
prayer,  Frank  told  him  he  was  a  Doctor,  not  of  divinity,  but  of 
medicine.  lie  thought  the  Colonel  was  disappointed,  but  after  a 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  345 

moment's  silence  he  replied,  "  a  pious  physician  has  a  great  op 
portunity  to  do  good."  The  Doctor  is  more  and  more  pleased 
with  him. 

Pauline  and  Nelly  returned  in  fine  spirits  from  their  walk,  and 
repeated  to  me  most  of  the  conversation  which  had  passed.  Pau 
line  said  their  companion  had  requested  them  to  call  him  Eugene 
now  that  they  were  so  well  acquainted ;  and  also  that  he  was 
entirely  reconciled  to  the  plan  of  his  father's  spending  the  winter 
here,  which  he  at  first  thought  would  be  dismal  enough. 

I  don't  think  Eugene  realizes  that  probably  his  father  will  not 
live  through  the  winter. 

Thursday,  January  2nd. 

Eugene  has  completely  won  me  over.  lie  came  in  to-day  and 
appeared  as  glad  to  see  us,  as  if  we  had  not  met  for  a  week.  He 
sat  down  by  me  in  the  most  artless  manner ;  and  taking  a  skein 
of  silk  from  Franky,  who  was  getting  it  into  a  sad  snarl,  said  he 
had  a  favor  to  ask  of  me ;  and  if  I  would  grant  it  he  should  be 
very  happy. 

He  looked  at  me  so  earnestly,  that  I  told  him  with  a  smile,  I 
thought  I  might  venture  to  promise,  if  it  were   nothing  very- 
unreasonable. 

For  a  moment  he  cast  his  eyes  down  ;  and  then  said  with  perfect 
naivete,  "  I  thought  of  it  last  night  after  the  conversation  here, 
about  my  not  remembering  my  mother;  and  this  morning  I  told 
father,  and  he  approves  it  very  much  if  you  are  willing." 

"  You  forget,"  said  I,  "  that  you  have  not  yet  asked  the  favor." 

"  Well,"  he  resumed,  repressing  a  sigh,  «  You  know  I  have 
never  since  my  remembrance  had  a  mother.  I  need  one  sadly,  to 
tell  me  when  I  do  wrong.  Oh  !  "  he  added,  with  great  emotion, 
laying  the  silk  on  his  knee,  "  I  have  so  longed  for  a  mother,  or 
sister  who  would  watch  over  me,  and  take  an  interest  in  me,  as  I 
have  seen  mothers  and  sisters  in  their  sons  and  brothers." 

I  was  very  much  affected  by  this  natural  outburst  of  feeling, 


846  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR. 

and  said,  "  I  will,  my  son."  Hardly  conscious  of  what  I  did,  I 
leaned  forward,  and  kissed  his  pure,  white  brow. 

He  grasped  my  hand,  and  kneeling,  covered  it  with  kisses, 
while  he  thanked  me  in  the  warmest  terms. 

Pauline  and  Nelly  looked  on  with  great  interest.  "  Remember," 
said  the  former,  as  she  held  out  her  hand  to  him,  while  her  eyes 
were  filled  with  tears,  "  you  have  now  two  sisters  and  a  brother." 

He  was  then  in  a  great  hurry  to  go  and  report  his  success  to 
his  father,  who  he  said  would  be  very  much  pleased. 

Tuesday,  January  7th. 

Eugene  came  over  for  a  few  moments  last  evening  to  thank  me 
in  behalf  of  his  father,  and  to  ask  if  the  Doctor  would  call  upon 
him  in  the  morning,  as  there  had  been  some  change  in  his  symp 
toms. 

Frank  offered  to  go  at  once ;  but  the  young  man  did  not  wish 
it.  He  went  this  morning,  however,  and  prescribed  a  change  of 
medicine. 

Colonel  Clifford  confessed  that  he  had  at  first  been  somewhat 
disappointed  in  finding  that  he  was  not  a  clergyman ;  but  now 
considered  it  a  very  kind  providence  which  had  brought  a  physi 
cian  almost  to  the  very  door.  He  added  that  now  the  only  anxiety 
he  had  had  in  remaining  in  Nice  was  obviated.  The  Doctor 
remained  and  read  to  him  for  an  hour.  "When  he  left,  the  Colonel 
renewed  his  thanks  for  our  kindness  to  his  dear  boy. 


CHAPTEE  XXXIV. 

"  A  Mother's  love  —  how  sweet  the  name! 

What  is  a  mother's  love  ? 
A  noble,  pure,  and  tender  flame, 

Enkindled  from  above, 
To  bless  a  heart  of  earthly  mould 
The  warmest  love  that  can  grow  cold ; 

This  is  a  mother's  love."        MONTGOMERY. 

"  A  malady 

Preys  on  my  heart,  that  medicine  cannot  reach, 
Invincible  and  cureless."        MATUHIX. 

Wednesday,  January  29th. 

IT  has  fallen  into  a  custom  that  the  Doctor  should  pass  a  part 
of  every  morning  with  the  invalid,  while  Eugene  walks  with  his 
sisters,  as  he  fondly  calls  them.  Nelly  and  Frank  have  been  in 
with  their  father  to  be  introduced  to  the  Colonel ;  and  received 
from  him  some  valuable  curiosities  as  presents.  The  next  day  he 
sent  Pauline  a  very  valuable  token  of  regard,  with  a  message  that 
he  fully  appreciated  the  value  of  such  sisters  to  a  young  man 
destitute  of  any  female  relative.  It  is  a  little  singular  that  while 
he  converses  freely  on  every  other  subject,  and  has  drawn  from 
the  Doctor  much  of  his  own  history,  yet  he  has  never  alluded  in 
the  most  distant  manner  to  the  nature  of  his  own  peculiar  trials. 
He  is  much  better  in  health  since  the  change  in  his  medicine,  but 
Frank  told  him  freely  that  it  was  not  probable  the  benefit  would 
be  permanent. 

The  Colonel  said  he  should  be  sorry  to  think  it  otherwise; 


348  CORA  AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

though  he  supposed  he  ought  to  desire  to  live  for  the  sake  of  his 
boy. 

I  could  hardly  have  thought  it  possible  that  \ve  should  in  so 
short  a  time  have  become  so  much  interested  in  persons,  of  whose 
existence  even  we  were  till  now  ignorant.  Eugene  is  a  very 
dutiful  son,  and  has  evidently  been  trained  with  the  greatest  care 
by  his  pious  father.  He  repeats  over  and  over  again  the  names 
of  mother  and  sisters,  as  if  he  revelled  in  the  very  idea  of  having 
such  relatives.  He  told  me  that  one  day  he  called  me  by  the 
name  of  mamma  in  his  father's  presence,  when  a  look  of  agony 
passed  like  a  shade  over  his  face ;  but  in  one  moment,  with  a 
faint  smile,  he  said,  "  I  thank  God,  my  son,  that  you  have  found  a 
mother,  even  in  name." 

Wednesday,  February  12th. 

When  the  Doctor  visited  Colonel  Clifford  this  morning,  he 
found  him  busily  engaged  in  writing,  which  he  immediately  put 
aside,  saying,  "  I  have  nearly  finished  the  preparation  of  some 
papers  which  I  wish  at  my  death  to  put  into  the  hands  of  my 
son." 

The  Doctor  was  about  to  leave ;  but  the  Colonel  insisted  on 
his  remaining,  as  he  wished  to  introduce  a  particular  subject  of 
conversation.  He  began  by  saying,  "I  have  not  inquired  so 
particularly  about  the  American  colleges  without  an  object.  If  in 
what  I  say,  you  consider  me  as  taking  advantage  of  your  kind 
ness,  both  to  me  and  my  boy,  I  must  beg  the  same  indulgence  to 
excuse  it."  He  then,  assured  by  Frank's  sincerely  expressed 
wish  to  be  of  service  to  him,  went  on  to  say,  "  when  I  die,  Eugene 
will  have  no  friend  or  near  relative,  from  whom  he  has  a  right  (o 
claim  sympathy  and  kindness.  I  have  often  prayed  that  some 
friend  might  be  raised  up,  with  whom  I  could  feel  safe  to  confide, 
both  his  spiritual  and  temporal  interests.  I  have  thought,"  he 
added,  while  a  tear  trickled  down  his  emaciated  cheek,  "  that 
perhaps  God  had  answered  my  prayers,  and  sent  you  here  to  be 
that  friend." 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  349 

Frank  took  the  wasted  hand  in  his  as  he  replied,  "  I  shall  feel 
honored  in  being  considered  as  such." 

"  But  do  you  fully  understand  my  meaning  ?  "  he  was  eagerly 
asked.  "  Eugene  has  more  than  enough  property,  and  it  is  well 
funded ;  but  he  needs  a  home,  and  kind  friends  to  watch  over  him  ; 
just  what  every  young  man  needs." 

"  Perhaps  you  are  not  aware,"  replied  the  Doctor,  "  that  we 
intend  returning  to  the  United  States  in  a  few  months." 

"  I  am  fully  so  ;'  but  Eugene  has  no  particular  attachments  to 
England  ;  that  is,  when  I  am  gone,  and  he  would  gladly  accom 
pany  you.  Do  not  give  me  an  answer  to-day.  Consult  your 
family,  and  let  me  know  hereafter ;  and  may  the  Lord  incline 
your  heart  to  do  according  to  my  desire  ! "  He  held  the  Doctor's 
hand  convulsively  in  his,  as  he  said  this,  and  appearing  to  be  much 
fatigued  by  the  exciting  nature  of  the  interview,  Frank  took 
leave. 

It  was  an  interesting  subject  for  us,  during  our  long  walks  ;  and 
after  being  interrupted  for  a  time,  was  extended  far  into  the  night. 
My  husband  fully  realized  that  the  care  would  fall  upon  me  ;  his 
professional  duties  so  fully  occupy  his  time  at  home.  Then  the 
iniluence  upon  our  children,  we  felt  it  to  be  our  duty  to  consider. 
I  frankly  confessed  to  the  Doctor  that  I  had  never  seen  a  young 
man  whom  I  could  more  readily  take  to  my  heart  as  a  son ;  and 
that  I  knew  Pauline  and  Nelly,  as  well  as  Frank,  would  be 
delighted  with  this  addition  to  our  family. 

"  What  is  the  drawback,  then  ?  I  see  there  is  something  you 
do  not  bring  to  the  light." 

I  could  at  first  give  no  reply.  There  was  a  drawback  ;  but  it 
seemed  to  me  so  selfish  that  I  could  not  endure  to  mention  it.  It 
was  the  fear  that  Eugene  would  love  my  Pauline  with  a  love 
surpassing  that  of  a  brother,  and  that  she  would  return  his  love. 
At  length  I  replied,  "  no,  nothing  that  need  to  be  a  drawback ; 
only  I  thought  that  perhaps  it  might  be  dangerous  to  place  young 
people  at  the  age  he  and  Pauline  are,  in  such  intimate  connection." 

30 


350  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

"  Ah,"  Said  he,  laughing,  "  I  might  have  guessed  Pauline  was  at 
the  bottom  of  all  your  trouble.  For  a  girl,  good  and  obedient  as 
she  is,  she  has  occasioned  you  great  anxiety.  Even  if  such  an 
event  should  happen,  which  I  will  acknowledge  is  very  probable, 
you  will  have  the  training  of  him,  and  you  can  educate  him  to  suit 
yourself,  instead  of  training  her  for  a  wife  for  cousin  Joseph  as  he 
proposed.  Eugene  appears  to  be  a  very  pure  minded  young 
man.  Like  our  children,  he  has  been  educated  at  home  ;  and  that 
is  one  reason  of  his  father's  regret  and  anxiety.  He  knows 
nothing  of  the  world,  and  is  as  ignorant  as  a  child  of  the  wicked 
ness  he  will  have  to  meet,  and  therefore  liable  to  be  led  away. 
I  have  tried  to  think  what  I  should  wish  were  I  in  his  place,  and 
have  concluded  with  your  consent,  and  full  approbation  to  accept 
the  chare." 


Friday,  February 

I  had  never  seen  Colonel  Clifford  until  yesterday  morning, 
when  I  went  with  the  Doctor  to  tell  him  of  our  willingness  to  take 
Eugene  into  our  family,  if  the  young  man's  wishes  in  that  respect 
corresponded  with  his  father's. 

He  answered  our  light  knock  for  admittance,  after  a  moment  ; 
and  I  could  see  that  he  had  been  weeping.  But  he  held  out  his 
hand  as  he  feebly  seated  himself  ;  and  with  a  smile,  said,  "  it 
argues  well  for  me,  Doctor,  that  you  have  brought  your  lady." 

We  took  seats  near  him,  and  I  could  see  that  lie  waited  will/ 
trembling  impatience  for  us  to  speak  upon  the  subject  nearest  his 
heart.  The  Doctor  said,  "  we  have  come  in  to  express  our  wil 
lingness  to  accede  to  your  wishes  in  regard  to  your  son." 

The  Colonel  exhibited  great  emotion,  and  with  a  beautiful 
smile  of  trust  in  his  heavenly  Father  which  illumined  every 
feature,  he  said  with  closed  eyes,  "  My  God,  J  thank  thee  !  "  After 
a  short  pause  he  turned  to  me,  "  my  dear  madam,  let  me  hear  you 
say  you  will  be  a  mother  to  my  motherless  boy." 

The  last  words  were  uttered  with  difficulty,  as  if  he  had  not 


OR,  REVELATIONS   OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S    WIPE.  351 

been  used  to  uttering  the  word."  Mother."  I  replied, "  with  God's 
help,  I  will." 

He  covered  his  face  with  his  hand,  and  wept  long ;  but  his 
tears  seemed  to  be  soothing  instead  of  exciting  him.  We  waited 
for  his  agitation  to  subside,  while  the  Doctor  rose  and  walked  to 
the  window,  and  my  tears  flowed  in  sympathy  with  his. 

"  You  are  Christian  parents,"  were  his  first  words,  "  and  with 
such  I  need  no  excuse  for  my  tears."  Then  becoming  more 
composed,  he  said,  "  the  burden  which  has  weighed  heavily  upon 
me  for  many  years  is  gone.  God  has  graciously  answered  me,  "  — 
he  broke  down  again  ;  but  instantly  resumed,  "  Doctor,  will  you 
express  my  thanks  ?  " 

He  rose  feebly,  and  kneeled  by  his  chair  ;  and  though  I  could 
hear  the  sobs  bursting  from  his  overflowing  heart,  he  arose  com 
posed,  and  refreshed. 

The  Doctor  endeavored  to  change  the  conversation  for  a  few 
moments ;  but  he  smiled  as  he  said,  "  I  perceive  your  kind  inten 
tion,  but  I  can  at  present  think  of  nothing  else.  It  will  not  injure 
me." 

\In  the  course  of  the  interview  he  said  that  for  many  yeai-s  he 
had  been  longing  to  go  home  ;  but  for  the  sake  of  his  son,  he  had 
taken  every  measure  to  prolong  his  life.  "  Eugene's,"  he  added, 
"  is  a  singular  case.  I  am  not  aware  that  he  has  a  single  relative 
on  his  mother's  side ;  and  none  nearer  than  two  or  three  removes 
on  mine.  He  has  a  lovely  disposition,  though  perhaps  I  may  be 
deemed  partial  in  saying  so." 

"  His  adopted  mother  says  the  same,"  I  added. 

With  an  ardent  expression  of  gratitude,  he  continued,  "  but  his 
yielding  temper  only  leaves  him  more  at  the  mercy  of  a  cold  cruel 
world.  Oh !  how  many  hours  of  sorrow  I  have  spent  in  imagin 
ing  hjs  future,  and  fearing  he  might  be  left  to  suffer  like  his  father. 
Eugene  remembers  little  or  nothing  of  his  early  life.  I  have 
never  been  able  to  converse  with  him  upon  subjects  connected 
with  his  "  —  The  voice  was  so  low  I  could  not  distinguish  the  rest 


352  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

of  the  sentence.  "  I  have  prepared,"  he  added,  "  some  papers 
which  throw  light  upon  some  subjects,  which  it  is  natural  -and 
right,  he  should  know  at  a  proper  age.  I  should  be  glad  to  leave 
them  in  your  hands  when  I  go,  with  the  request  that  he  should 
have  them  when  he  attains  his  majority.  I  should  also  be  glad, 
if  Eugene  were  so  inclined,  to  have  him  keep  this  small  estate, 
that  the  cemetery  may  not  be  molested.  The  steward,  who  has 
lived  in  it  for  many  years,  would  be  glad  to  continue  in  it,  and 
give  him  a  suitable  rent  for  the  house  and  furniture.  One  thing 
more,  and  I  shall  have  done  for  this  morning.  I  fear  that  I  have 
already  taxed  you  too  long.  I  wish  a  small  monument  in  every 
respect  like  the  one  in  yonder  grave  yard,  placed  above  my  remains, 
with  the  single  word  '  Harry  '  inscribed  upon  it.  I  have  already 
given  directions  to  have  my  body  placed  by  her  side.  Now,"  said 
he,  "receive  once  more  the  gratitude  of  a  father,  who  perceives 
in  your  pledge  of  kindness  to  his  son,  a  new  proof  of  forgiveness 
and  assurance  of  pardon  and  love  from  his  heavenly  Father. 

Friday,  February  21st. 

For  several  days  I  have  spent  much  of  my  time  with  Colonel 
Clifford,  who  after  our  interview  respecting  his  son,  appeared  to 
fail  rapidly.  On  Monday  morning  the  Doctor  and  I  called,  and 
Eugene  took  the  opportunity  to  go  out  for  his  exercise.  "  Dr. 
Lenox,"  said  the  invalid,  "  there  is  one  subject,  I  inadvertently 
omitted  at  our  late  interview,  and  which  I  may  as  well  mention  at 
this  time.  My  name  is  not  Henry  Clifford,  as  you  suppose,  but 
Henry  Clifford  Shirley." 

Frank  sprang  to  his  feet,  and  was  on  the  point  of  catching  his 
friend  by  the  hand,  but  remembering  the  feebleness  of  the  Colonel, 
and  the  danger  to  him  of  any  sudden  excitement,  he  resumed  his 
seat. 

"  It  is  entirely  immaterial  to  me  which  name  Eugene  retains," 
said  he,  not  appearing  to  have  noticed  anything  unusual  in  the 
Doctor's  manner,  "  but  as  all  his  property  stands  registered  in  the 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  353 

name  of  Shirley,  it  was  highly  desirable  that  you  should  be  aware 
of  the  fact." 

Frank  walked  back  and  forth  across  the  room  evidently  very 
much  perplexed  how  to  introduce  the  communication  he  wished  to 
make.  At  length  he  sat  down  by  the  side  of  the  sufferer,  and 
gently  said,  "  Colonel  Clifford,  many  years  ago  I  received  a  con 
fession  from  a  dying  man  in  relation  to  a  gentleman  by  the  name 
of  Henry  Shirley,  who  was  a  Colonel  in  his  Majesty's  service. 
I  have  endeavored  in  vain  to  find  such  a  gentleman,  in  order  to 
confide  the  confession  to  him,  according  to  the  desire  of  the 
penitent  man." 

Colonel  Clifford  appeared  much  agitated,  but  at  length  said, 
"  To  what  did  it  relate  ?  " 

"  To  certain  anonymous  letters  written  to  him  while  abroad,  in 
India,  I  think  he  said,  with  a  regiment  of  the  government  troops. 
Shall  I  go  on  ?  " 

With  his  handkerchief  to  his  eyes  the  sick  man  bowed  assent. 
"  As  nearly  as  I  can  recollect,"  added  Frank,  "  the  gentleman, 
who  was  a  townsman  of  mine,  met  your  wife  while  on  a  foreign 
tour,  and  made  proposals  to  her  which  she  indignantly  refused. 
In  order  to  revenge  himself,  he  wrote  to  you  intimating  her  guilt 
in  connection  with  another  gentleman." 

The  distressed  man  with  a  dreadful  groan  fell  forward,  and 
would  have  fallen  to  the  floor  had  not  the  Doctor  caught  him  in 
his  arms.  He  motioned  to  me  to  ring  the  bell,  and  with  the  help 
of  a  servant  who  appeared,  laid  the  unconscious  man  upon  the 
bed.  It  was  some  time  before  he  recovered,  and  when  he  did,  he 
looked  so  death-like,  that  we  feared  the  excitement  would  termi 
nate  his  life.  I  remained  until  he  fell  asleep,  and  then  quietly 
left  him  with  the  Doctor. 

When  Frank  returned,  he  said  that  the  Colonel  did  not  allude 
to  the  exciting  subject  of  the  interview  until  just  before  he  left, 
and  then  said  to  him,  "  I  am  not  equal  to  continuing  the  conver 
sation.  I  have  written  all  that  is  necessary  to  my  son "  —  he 

30* 


354  CORA  AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

could  go  no  farther.  Since  that  time  the  subject  has  never  been 
alluded  to.  A  holy  peace  has  taken  the  place  of  the  melancholy 
expression  of  his  countenance  ;  and  he  hails  with  delight  every 
fresh  symptom  of  dissolution.  He  said  yesterday,  "  God  has 
granted  me  delightful  views  of  heaven,  and  the  honor  and  glory 
of  the  Saviour,  who  is  the  chief  among  ten  thousand,  and  the  one 
altogether  lovely.  Oh,"  he  exclaimed  in  a  rapture,  "  Eternity 
will  be  too  short  to  praise  him  who  has  redeemed  my  guilty 
soul." 

This  morning  he  is  much  revived,  and  asked  the  Doctor  to 
pray  that  he  might  be  ready  and  waiting,  but  not  be  impatient  for 
the  coming  of  the  bridegroom.  Eugene  is  tender,  and  affectionate 
as  a  daughter,  in  his  attentions.  It  often  makes  the  tears  start  to 
my  eyes,  as  I  witness  the  look  of  unuttered  love  which  beams 
from  the  eye  of  the  sufferer  upon  his  devoted  son.  Every  day 
he  insists  that  Eugene  shall  take  exercise  in  the  open  air ;  but 
this  I  fear  he  would  be  reluctant  to  do  if  it  were  not  for  the  com 
pany  of  his  sisters.  When  released  from  the  sick  room  he  bounds 
like  a  young  doe  to  our  door  and  calls  them  for  a  walk. 

Pauline  has  often  accompanied  him  to  the  grave  of  his  mother. 
To-day  he  requested  me  to  do  so ;  when  the  others  were  about  to 
follow,  with  his  usual  frankness  he  said,  "  no,  dear  Pauline,  I 
want  to  walk  with  mamma  alone.  As  we  passed  his  house,  he 
ran  in  and  brought  out  the  stool.  When  we  reached  the  grave, 
he  said  as  he  placed  the  seat  near  by,  "  Dear  mamma,  I  have 
chosen  this  place  to  make  a  disclosure  to  yon,  that  if  I  have  done 
wrong,  the  thought  that  my  own  mother  Las  long  been  lying  here, 
and  that  the  simple  word  '  Imogen,'  is  all  I  have  of  her  memory, 
may  incline  your  heart  to  forgive." 

I  was  very  much  affected.  "  Dear  Eugene,"  I  said,  "  I  needed 
not  the  influence  of  this  sacred  spot  in  order  to  do  that.  I  have 
said  that  you  were  to  me  as  a  son." 

"  Oh  !  let  me  be  indeed  a  son,"  he  exclaimed,  throwing  himself 
on  the  ground  before  me.  "  I  love  my  sister  Pauline.  I  love 


OR,  REVELATIONS   OP   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  355 

her  with  an  intensity  of  which  I  have  but  lately  become  aware. 
Tell  me  that  I  have  not  done  wrong ;  that  you  and  the  Doctor 
approve  my  love  ;  and  I  shall  be  forever  grateful." 
"  Does  Pauline  know  of  this  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  Oh  no ! "  he  answered,  "  of  course,  I  could  say  nothing  with 
out  your  consent,  —  we  are  both  young.  I  will  wait  years,  — 
you  shall  set  the  time  for  our  marriage,  —  if  you  will  only  give 
me  leave  to  love  her,  and  she  will  consent." 

He  uttered  all  this  so  rapidly,  and  so  earnestly,  I  had  not  time 
to  think. 

"  You  do  not  answer,"  said  he,  repressing  a  sigh  ;  "  you  do  not 
say  you  forgive  me  for  having  unconsciously  loved  her.  Remem 
ber,"  said  he,  rising  and  standing  sorrowfully  before  me,  "  remem 
ber  that  I  have  had  no  mother  to  teach  me  to  control  my  feelings," 
and  he  pointed  sadly  to  the  grave. 

"  I  do  remember,"  I  said,  taking  his  hand.  "  You  are  a  noble, 
honorable  youth,  to  tell  me  your  feelings  so  frankly.  I  do  not 
love  you  less,  that  you  love  my  Pauline ;  but  this  is  a  serious 
subject ;  there  are  many  things  to  be  considered,  and  I  must 
consult  the  Doctor." 

He  pressed  his  lips  upon  my  hand.  "  Thank  you,"  said  he, 
"  that  you  do  not  deny  me  at  once.  Be  assured  I  will  not  betray 
my  feelings  to  her  until  you  give  me  leave." 

As  we  passed  his  house  on  our  return,  I  asked  if  he  had  con 
versed  with  his  father  upon  the  subject. 
He  blushed  as  he  replied  that  he  had. 
"  And  what  was  his  wish  ?  " 

"  He  smiled  when  I  told  him,  and  said  he  thought  us  rather 
young ;  but  said  he  had  the  most  implicit  confidence  in  you  and 
the  Doctor.  But  I  determined  at  once,  that  the  only  honorable 
course  for  me  to  pursue,  was  to  tell  you  all." 

"  Well,  my  son,"  I  answered,  "  1  shall  have  great  hopes  that 
you  will  be  a  useful  man,  if  you  cany  out  all  your  determinations 
as  well  as  in  this  case." 


356  CORA.  AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

When  we  drew  near  the  house,  I  saw  Pauline  watching  us 
from  the  window.  Eugene  asked  in  a  low  voice,  "  when  may  I 
hope  for  an  answer  from  you  ?  " 

"  I  will  walk  Avith  you  again  to-morrow,"  I  answered. 

He  turned  away  with  merely  a  bow  to  Pauline,  and  returned  to 
his  father.  I  have  come  to  my  room  to  wait  for  Frank's  return. 
I  think  notwithstanding  what  he  said,  he  will  be  astonished  that 
his  daughter  has  been  sought  in  marriage  at  so  early  a  day.  But 
Eugene  is  a  noble,  ingenuous  youth ;  what  can  I  ask  more,  except 
that  he  may  be  a  humble  Christian  ? 

Saturday,  February  2'2nd. 

Frank  returned  yesterday,  with  a  letter  long  expected,  and 
waited  for,  from  cousin  Joseph  Morgan,  who  says,  owing  to  the 
protracted  absence  of  one  of  the  firm,  he  has  not  been  able  to 
leave  Paris ;  but  hopes  now  to  be  with  us  in  a  few  days,  Avhen  he 
intends  by  a  long  visit  to  make  up  for  this  tedious  delay. 

When  we  had  read  and  discussed  the  letter,  I  asked  Frank  to 
prepare  himself  for  some  important  business.  Seeing  I  was  in 
earnest  he  sat  down  at  once,  and  I  related  what  had  passed. 

"  Really,"  said  he,  "  Eugene  has  well  improved  his  time.  I 
wonder  how  Pauline  feels.  I  never  saw  any  particular  evidence 
of  affection  on  her  part.  Now  I  always  expected  that  when  she 
felt  young  Cupid's  dart,  she  would  do  pretty  much  as  you  did 
under  similar  circumstances,  blush  up  to  her  eyes  every  time 
his  name  was  mentioned,  and  always  be  out  of  the  way  just  when 
she  was  wanted.  Come,  come,  I  did  n't  mean  to  set  you  at  it 
again ;  but," 

"  Tell  me  the  charms  that  lovers  seek 
In  the  clear  eye  and  blushing  cheek, 
The  hues  that  play 
O'er  rosy  lips,  and  brow  of  snow. 
Ah !  where  are  they  ?  " 

"  I  have  seen  nothing  of  all  this  in  Pauline,  but  there's  no  such 


OK,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  357 

thing  as  calculating  all  the  intricacies  of  a  woman's  heart.  I  've 
given  up  ever  since  Emily's  labarynthian  course  in  refusing  a 
man  whom  she  dearly  loved." 

"  Perhaps  she  had  no  idea  of  such  a  termination  to  his  intro 
duction  to  the  family ;  and  probably  is  not  aware  of  the  state  of 
her  own  feelings." 

I  determined,  however,  to  sound  her  upon  the  subject  before  1 
met  Eugene  again.  During  the  evening,  I  made  an  excuse  for 
calling  her  to  my  room,  that  I  would  read  her  Joseph's  letter,  after 
which  I  desired  some  conversation  with  her.  "  Here  comes 
Frank's  proof,"  I  said  to  myself  as  a  rosy  hue  mantled  to  her  very 
brow  ;  but  she  immediately  said,  she  would  run  to  her  room  for 
her  crotcheting,  and  then  return. 

"  I  don't  know,"  said  I,  when  she  had  taken  her  seat,  "  as  you 
remember  much  of  your  cousin ;  you  have  not  seen  him  for  a 
number  of  years." 

"  Oh,  yes,  mamma !  don't  you  recollect  the  visit  he  made  us 
before  he  came  to  France  ?  " 

"  I  had  indeed  forgotten  it,  my  love ;  but  he  is  soon  to  be  here," 
and  I  read  her  the  letter.  She  said  nothing,  and  I  proceeded  to 
talk  of  Eugene.  She  raised  her  eyes  at  once,  as  if  much  inter 
ested.  "You  have  now  had  sufficient  opportunity  to  become 
acquainted  with  him ;  are  you  still  pleased  that  he  is  to  be  one 
of  us?" 

"  Certainly,  mamma.  I  love  him  very  much,  and  should  be 
disappointed  if  anything  should  occur  to  prevent  it.  Do  you 
know  of  anything  ?  "  she  asked  eagerly. 

"  No,"  I  answered,  fully  assured  of  Eugene's  success  if  it 
rested  with  her. 

This  morning,  the  dear  fellow  came  in  at  an  unusually  early 
hour,  and  requested  me  to  accompany  him.  He  tried  not  to  look 
at  Pauline,  for  fear  he  should  be  violating  his  promise  to  me.  I 
pointed  to  the  time-piece,  showing  him  it  was  an  hour  earlier  than 


358  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

common,  and  he  made  rather  a  blundering  excuse.  I  hastened, 
however,  to  my  room,  and  the  Doctor  followed  me  to  the  stairs, 
saying  in  a  whisper,  "  do  go  quick,  and  put  the  poor  soul  out  of 
misery.  Don't  you  see  how  he  is  suffering  ?  I  know  how  to  feel 
for  him." 

As  I  came  down  equipped  for  the  walk,  Pauline  said  in  an  arch 
tone,  "  how  long  are  you  intending  to  be  so  exclusive  in  your 
walks  ? " ' 

Eugene  started  toward  her,  and  began  to  say  something,  but 
stopped  very  much  confused,  and  I  hurried  him  away.  I  need 
not  tell  you  what  I  said,  indeed  I  don't  remember.  It  is  sufficient 
that  he  was  more  than  satisfied  with  the  permission  to  ask  her  to 
return  his  love,  and  then  wait  until  we  should  be  willing  for  them 
to  marry.  He  cut  short  our  walk,  and  turned  back  to  the  house. 
As  we  reached  the  door,  I  looked  up  to  see  a  group  of  heads 

» 

making  themselves  very  merry  at  our  expense.  But  I  took  it 
very  calmly,  and  walked  in,  requesting  Pauline  to  take  my  place. 
She  called  Nelly ;  but  I  told  her  Nelly  must  practise  her 
music. 

It  was  rather  more  than  an  hour  before  they  returned.  The 
Doctor  was  watching  for  them  with  no  little  impatience,  and 
curiosity.  Pauline  came  in  leaning  upon  her  lover's  arm,  who 
looked  perfectly  delighted,  and  walked  directly  across  the  room, 
kissing  me,  and  then  her  father. 

Frank  was  astonished,  and  said  almost  audibly,  "pretty  cool, 
that !  I  never  could  have  believed  it." 

Eugene  was  too  much  excited  to  keep  still,  and  calling  her  to 
the  door,  begged  her  to  go  with  him  to  his  father.  But  she 
preferred  to  postpone  it  until  another  day.  Soon  after  he  left,  I 
went  to  my  room,  and  Pauline  soon  followed.  "  Well,  my  love," 
I  said,  "  I  suppose  I  hardly  need  ask  you  what  answer  you  gave 
Eugene,  he  looked  so  happy." 

"  Yes,  mamma,  I  told  him  I  loved  him  very  much,  but  that  I 


OK,   REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  359 

thought  I  was  too  young  to  engage  myself;  and  I  had  never  thought 
of  him  in  that  light." 

"  And  was  he  satisfied  ?  " 

"  Yes,  mamma,  he  thanked  me  many  times,  and  said  he  should 
try  to  make  me  very  happy."  Pauline  sat  down,  and  her  eyes 
grew  dreamy,  so  I  left  her  to  her  meditations  and  went  below. 


CHAPTER    XXXV. 

"  Ah  me !  from  real  happiness  we  stray, 
By  vice  bewildered;  vice  which  always  leads, 
However  fair  at  first,  to  wilds  of  wo."        THOMSON. 

Tuesday,  March  4th. 

JOSEPH  came  two  days  ago,  accompanied  by  a  young  lady, 
Mademoiselle  Vinet,  or  Adele,  as  Joseph  calls  her.  He  went 
directly  with  her  to  her  uncle's,  who  lives  about  forty  leagues 
from  here,  and  then  returned  to  this  place.  We  were  much 
rejoiced  to  see  our  dear  cousin.  He  has  proved  all  that  his 
parents  could  wish.  I  was  very  glad  to  hear  him  say  that  he 
hopes  to  be  able  to  return  to  the  United  States  nearly  as  soon  as 
we  do.  He  longs  for  home. 

Joseph  accompanied  the  Doctor  and  myself  in  a  walk,  and 
communicated  to  us  some  very  sad  intelligence.  About  three 
months  ago,  a  servant  from  one  of  the  hotels  in  Paris  called  at  his 
office  requesting  him  to  go  and  see  a  young  woman  who  was  sick. 
Wondering  not  a  little  who  she  could  be,  he  went,  and  was  shown 
up  one  flight  of  stairs  after  another  until  he  reached  a  most  dreary 
and  desolate  apartment,  destitute  of  every  comfort;  and  there, 
upon  a  miserable  pallet,  he  beheld,  to  his  surprise,  his  once 
beautiful  cousin  Fidelia  Schuyler.  She  was  anxiously  expecting 
him,  and  exceedingly  overcome  by  his  presence  and  kindness.  He 
wished  to  remove  her  to  a  more  comfortable  and  respectable 
apartment,  to  provide  her  a  good  nurse,  and  to  do  everything  in 
his  power  for  her  relief. 


REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  361 

But  she  said,  "I  have  only  a  few  hours  to  live.  Even  now  I 
am  dying.  All  I  ask  is,  that  you  will  remain  near  me  while  I 
live." 

Joseph  was  affected  even  to  tears  as  he  related  the  heart-rending 
agony  of  Fidelia,  while  she  reviewed  .the  last  few  years  of  her 
life.  "  Ever  since  I  left  your  house,  years  ago,  though  1  have 
lived  a  gay  life,  in  the  midst  of  fashion  and  luxury,"  she  said,  "  I 
have  never  known  happiness,  for  I  have  lived  a  life  of  sin.  I 
am  known  here  as  Mrs.  Arnold,  having  been  his  companion  ever 
since  my  husband,  incited  almost  to  madness  by  my  wicked  con 
duct,  abandoned  me.  For  three  weeks,  William  has  not  been  near 
me.  Leaving  me  only  a  few  dollars,  he  deserted  me  ;  and  since 
his  departure  I  have  been  removed  to  this  garret,  and  have 
pawned  almost  every  article  of  my  clothing  and  of  jewelry  to 
procure  for  myself  even  the  necessaries  of  life.  Do  you  remem 
ber,"  she  asked,  "  the  wicked  attempt  I  made  to  stir  up  jealousy 
and  strife  between  Frank  and  his  young  wife  ?  Oh  !  how  I  hated 
her,  when  I  saw  that  with  his  whole  soul  he  observed  her  every 
movement  and  word !  He  worshipped  the  very  ground  on  which 
she  trod.  But  I  have  suffered  the  keenest  remorse  for  my  conduct. 
\  have  been  constantly  tortured  with  jealousy  since  I  lived  with 
William,  and  with  fear  lest  he  should  leave  me  to  die  alone  in  a 
•jtrange  land." 

Several  times  Joseph  tried  to  soothe  and  comfort  her  as  she  lay 
panting  for  breath,  and  sinking  farther  back  upon  her  pillows. 
But  she  could  talk  of  nothing  else.  "  Oh  !  "  said  she,  "  if  I  had 
borne  with  my  husband  as  I  have  had  to  bear  with  William,  how 
happy  we  might  have  been !  I  have  been  obliged  to  curb  my 
temper,  and  to  be  a  slave  to  one  who  has  indeed  proved  to  be  a 
hard  master." 

Joseph  endeavored  to  point  her  to  the  Saviour.  At  first,  she 
was  unwilling  to  hear  a  word  on  the  subject,  and  begged  him  not  to 
waste  his  breath  ;  but  at  length,  as  he  earnestly  pointed  her  to  the 
Lamb  of  God,  able,  willing  and  ready  to  save  to  the  uttermost  all 

31 


362  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR. 

who  come  unto  God  by  him,  she  burst  into  tears,  and  even  besought 
him  to  pray  with  her.  He  did  so ;  and  after  remaining  with  her 
about  three  hours,  he  went  out  and  obtained  a  good  woman  to 
take  care  of  her  so  long  as  she  lived.  He  supposed  from  her 
appearance  that  she  was  not  so  near  her  end  as  she  imagined. 
He  made  his  arrangements  to  return  and  to  watch  with  her  in 
company  with  her  nurse  during  the  night.  After  an  hour  he 
returned  to  her  room,  and  was  surprised  at  the  alteration  which 
had  taken  place.  She  was  evidently  dying. 

Now  her  whole  life  stood  out  before  her,  and  she  trembled  at 
the  idea  of  appearing  in  the  presence  of  a  holy  God.  Joseph 
prayed  with  her  repeatedly.  He  wept  as  he  implored  her  to  cast 
her  burden  of  sin  and  fear  upon  the  Saviour.  She  listened  as  for 
her  life,  but  could  only  cry  out  "  too  late !  —  too  late  !!  "  This 
dreadful  lament  she  continued  until  near  midnight,  when  Joseph 
read  to  her  a  few  passages  from  the  Bible,  on  the  abounding  of 
divine  mercy  toward  the  chief  of  sinners,  and  renewed  his  exhorta 
tion  to  her  to  repent  and  believe,  saying,  "  turn  ye,  turn  ye,  for 
why  will  ye  die  ?  " 

"  Oh  !  If  I  could  live  —  only  one  hour  —  more !" — and  as  the 
words  were  on  her  quivering  lips,  her  countenance  changed,  her 
eyes  were  fixed,  her  spirit  departed ! 


CHAPTER    XXXVI. 

"  I  feel  death  rising  higher  still,  and  higher 
Within  my  bosom ;  every  breath  I  fetch 
Shuts  up  my  life  within  a  shorter  compass : 
And  like  the  vanishing  sound  of  bells,  grows  less 
And  less  each  pulse,  till  it  be  lost  in  air."        DKYDEN. 

"  Death 's  but  a  path  that  must  be  trod, 
If  man  would  ever  pass  to  God."        PAKNELL. 

Wednesday,  March  5th. 

I  AM  really  pained  by  Pauline's  conduct  toward  her  cousin. 
She  shuns  him  as  much  as  possible.  He  feels  it  too.  He  always 
manifested  so  much  interest  in  her ;  but  she  avails  herself  of 
every  excuse  to  walk  with  Eugene,  and  avoids  seeing  Joseph.  I 
can  perceive  that  he  is  grieved,  but  though  he  often  gazes  at  her 
with  a  sad,  inquiring  expression,  he  does  not  speak.  I  have  never 
known  her  to  be  rude  ;  but  I  felt  it  my  duty  to  speak  with  her 
to-day  upon  the  subject.  I  am  afraid  I  spoke  too  sternly,  for  she 
immediately  burst  into  tears.  She  made  no  excuse,  only  saying, 
"  I  can't  help  it,  mamma." 

"  Your  cousin,"  I  said,  "  has  not  deserved  such  treatment.  He 
has  always,  since  you  Avere  a  baby,  taken  a  great  interest  in  you  ; '' 
and  I  related  his  kindness  in  taking  her  to  ride  on  horseback,  and 
many  other  events,  which  I  was  surprised  to  find  she  remembered. 

But  still  she  said  nothing;  and  only  cried  the  more.  I  don't 
know  what  to  make  of  her. 

"  Sometimes  deep  feeling  hides  itself  in  silence." 


364:  CORA   AND    THE    DOCTOR; 

But  I  think  she  has  had  too  much  excitement  of  late,  notwith 
standing  she  appeared  so  calm.  When  the  bell  rang  for  tea,  she 
begged  me  to  excuse  her  from  going  down,  and  to  tell  Eugene, 
when  he  called,  that  she  was  not  able  to  go  with  him  to  his  father 
as  he  had  proposed. 

"  Are  you  ill,  my  dear,"  I  asked. 

"  I  have  a  very  bad  head-ache,  which  will  be  well  by  morn 
ing." 

Joseph  went  out  this  morning  early  for  a  walk,  and  returned 
just  as  I  was  called  to  breakfast.  Pauline  was  jn  the  room,  and 
he  went  directly  to  her,  expressing  his  pleasure  at  seeing  her 
down  again.  He  took  her  hand  in  his,  and  said,  "  I  am  deeply 
pained  by  seeing  that  you  have  forgotten  all  your  former  friend 
ship  for  me."  He  then  assured  her,  she  should  always  have  a 
warm  friend  in  him. 

Notwithstanding  I  had  thought  her  wrong,  I  really  pitied  the 
poor  girl's  confusion.  She  did  not  once  raise  her  eyes  ;  but  blush 
ed  painfully  as  she  withdrew  her  hand  when  he  had  ceased 
speaking.  I  pitied  Joseph,  too.  He  came  to  me  soon  after  break 
fast,  and  asked  me  to  walk  with  him,  when  he  immediately  enter 
ed  upon  the  subject,  saying  he  had  never  been  so  disappointed  in 
a  young  person,  so  artless  and  frank  as  she  used  to  be.  He  then 
asked  if  Eugene  were  a  suitable  companion  for  her,  fearing  it  was 
his  influence  that  had  so  changed  her  for  the  worse. 

I  assured  him  it  was  not.  Then  feeling  that  from  his  long 
friendship  for  us,  he  had  a  right  to  be  treated  with  confidence,  I 
told  him  in  what  relation  they  stood  to  each  other.  Though  I 
could  sec  plainly  that  he  was  displeased,  I  commenced  at  their 
singular  introduction,  and  told  him  all  that  had  passed  between 
Colonel  Clifford  and  the  Doctor.  He  listened  with  the  profouml- 
est  interest,  but  did  not  interrupt  me  until  I  had  done. 

"  How  did  you  account  for  the  agitation  of  Colonel  Clifford  ?  " 
he  asked.  v 

"  Oh !  a  thousand  ways,"  I  replied.     "  He  has  been  an  invalid 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  365 

for  many  years ;  and  her  sudden  appearance  would  account  for  it 
in  a  great  measure." 

"  Perhaps  so,"  he  answered  in  a  doubting  tone ;  "  but  he  evi 
dently  supposed  her  to  be  a  near  friend." 

"  Yes,"  said  I,  "there  is  no  accounting  for  the  freaks  of  nature 
in  these  close  resemblances.  I  should  be  struck  any  where  by 
her  resemblance  to  Frank ;  yet  you  know  there  is  no  connection." 

"  She  must  have  a  singular  countenance,"  he  replied,  "  I  no 
ticed  yesterday  a  strong  likeness  to  young  Clifford.  Does  she 
know  of  the  circumstances  connected  with  her  early  history  ?  " 

«  Not  a  word  of  it." 

"Nor  Clifford?" 

"No." 

"  Then,  my  dear  cousin,  I  tell  you  frankly,  I  think  in  this  in 
stance  you  arid  the  Doctor  have  erred  —  certainly  you  have  not 
acted  with  your  usual  frankness." 

I  made  many  excuses  which  had  been  satisfactory  to  my  own 
mind.  He  said  no  more,  but  only  shook  his  head. 

When  we  received  Joseph's  letter,  I  thought  him  the  same 
light-hearted,  merry  fellow  as  of  old ;  but  I  find  he  has  grown 
very  grave.  I  was  a  little  troubled  at  what  he  said,  and  on  con 
versing  with  Frank,  I  find  that  he  is  of  the  same  opinion,  that  we 
ought  at  least  to  communicate  the  circumstances  to  Colonel  Clif 
ford,  if  we  do  not'chpose  to  tell  Pauline.  But  Frank  says  since 
talking  with  Mr.  Percival,  and  finding  that  he  had  no  other  child, 
he  felt  relieved  of  all  doubt  in  relation  to  their  connection.  But 
though  the  thought  of  it  makes  me  almost  sick,  I  intend  to-mor 
row  to  do  what  I  know  will  give  exquisite  pain  to  Pauline,  by 
telling  her  she  is  my  child  only  by  adaption. 

Saturday,  March  8th. 

If  my  poor  head  will  allow,  I  will  try  to  give  you  an  account 
of  the  events  of  the  last  three  days.  But  I  have  suffered  so  much 
I  really  shrink  from  recurring  to  the  subject. 

31* 


366  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

In  pursuance  of  my  resolution  to  make  the  painful  disclosure 
to  Pauline,  I  made  necessary  arrangements  to  be  free  from  inter 
ruption,  as  I  feared  the  dear  child's  feelings  would  overcome  her ; 
and  as  I  was  far  from  intending  that  Nelly  or  Frank  should 
know  it  at  present,  I  did  not  wish  unnecessarily  to  excite  their 
curiosity.  If  the  dear  child  were  to  know  it  at  all,  I  preferred  she 
should  hear  it  first  from  me ;  and  having  procured  the  locket  and 
package,  I  called  her  to  my  room,  and  went  through  the  story  as 
if  -I  were  relating  the  history  of  another  person,  and  as  briefly  as 
justice  to  my  subject  would  allow ;  but  my  great  agitation,  which 
I  could  not  avoid  becoming  apparent,  must  have  made  her  sus 
pect  that  I  referred  to  herself.  She  looked  me  full  in  the  face, 
her  eyes  more  and  more  dilated  until  she  turned  deadly  pale.  I 
became  frightened  that  she  did  not  give  way  to  her  feelings,  and 
stopped,  when  she  said  in  the  most  heart-broken  tone  I  ever 
heard,  "  Then  I  am  not  your  Pauline,  mamma  ?  "  and  leaned  her 
head  heavily  on  her  hand. 

I  pressed  her  to  my  heart,  and  told  her  that  she  never  was 
dearer  to  me  than  at  present ;  that  she  was  my  first,  and  I  had 
almost  said,  my  dearest  child. 

But  this  has  been  a  dreadful  shock  to  the  poor  girl,  who  seems 
now  to  feel  that  she  has  no  claim  upon  us.  I  talked  with  her  a 
long  time,  telling  her  that  I  had  never  intended  she  should  know 
of  this ;  but  that  her  father  thought  it  dishonorable  not  to  tell  her 
or  Eugene ;  and  that  I  felt  she  ought  to  hear  it  from  me. 

"  I  think  it  would  have  killed  me,"  she  replied,  "  to  have  heard 
it  even  from  father."  After  a  moment  she  added  mournfully, 
"  may  I  still  call  you  mamma  ?  "  when  her  pent  up  feelings  burst 
forth  with  such  violence  as  I  have  never  witnessed.  She  wept 
and  sobbed  until  her  whole  frame  shook  with  emotion. 

"  My  love,  my  own  Pauline,  you  will  break  my  heart  if  you  do 
so.  Our  love  is  the  same ;  it  can  undergo  no  change.  My  affec 
tion  for  you  has  been  so  selfish,  that  it  has  been  my  only  fear  with 
regard  to  you,  that  some  one  would  claim  you  as  their  child ;  or 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  3G7 

as  lias  happened,  that  some  one  would  win  your  love  from  your 
mother." 

"  Oh,  mamma,"  said  she  joyfully,  "  I  Avill  give  him  up.  I 
understood  it  was  your  wish.  Indeed  I  told  Eugene  I  did  not 
wish  him  to  consider  it  an  engagement.  We  are  too  young." 

"  Dearest  Pauline,  I  only  told  you  to  show  you  how  strong  was 
my  affection  for  you." 

After  two  hours,  during  which  time  I  had  but  partially  succeeded 
in  calming  her  excited  feelings?  I  showed  her  the  locket,  which 
affected  her  exceedingly,  as  also  the  letter  from  her  mother  to  the 
servant.  She  held  the  tiny  robe  in  her  hand,  while  her  tears  fell 
hot  and  fast  upon  it.  I  told  her  that  on  no  account  would  I  allow 
Nelly  and  Franky  to  be  made  aware  of  what  had  passed. 

"  I  shall  tell  Eugene  ?  "  she  said  inquiringly. 

"  If  you  think  it  best,  love." 

"  Of  course,  I  only  meant  whether  you  or  I  should  tell  him. 
lie  asked  what  I  considered  strange  questions  the  second  time  I 
saw  him.  But  I  thought  it  would  only  pain  you  to  hear  them,  so 
I  did  not  repeat  what  he  said.  He  asked  if  I  had  ever  been 
abroad  before.  I  told  him  "  no."  He  then  asked  if  I  were  nearly 
connected  with  this  family,  when  I  laughed  and  told  him,  '  my 
resemblance  to  father  was  proof  of  that  fact.'  He  apologized,  and 
said  he  had  only  asked  me  to  satisfy  his  father."  She  took  the 
locket,  putting  the  chain  around  her  neck,  and  bidding  me  good 
night,  left  me. 

But  it  was  a  sleepless  night  to  both  of  us.  The  questions  of 
Eugene,  to  satisfy  his  father,  —  the  doubts  of  Joseph  were 
constantly  recurring  to  me.  Frank  comforted  me  by  saying  I 
had  done  right  in  telling  her  what  I  had.  After  midnight  I  crept 
softly  to  her  room,  shading  the  lamp  with  my  hand,  and  found  her 
eyes  wide  open.  She  had  thrown  her  arm  over  her  sleeping 
sister,  and  had  vainly  tried  to  sleep. 

"  I  have  been  trying  to  think  who  I  am,  mamma,"  said  she  in  a 
sad  voice. 


368  COKA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

"  You  are  my  own  darling,  Pauline,"  I  said,  kissing  her  again 
and  again. 

"  She  looks  happy  and  kind,"  alluding  to  the  picture,  "  but  how 
could  she  give  me  up  so  ?  " 

I  begged  her  to  try  to  sleep,  and  returned  to  my  bed  to  make 
the  same  effort.  The  next  morning  she  did  not  go  down  to  break 
fast,  merely  took  a  cup  of  coffee  in  her  room ;  but  begged  me  to 
let  her  know  when  Eugene  came  in.  I  did  so,  when  she  instantly 
came  down  to  him  equipped  for  a  walk. 

I  attempted  to  remonstrate,  fearing  she  was  not  well  enough  ; 
but  she  said,  "  please,  mamma,"  in  so  sad  a  voice,  I  could  say  no 
more. 

It  was  nearly  noon.  Joseph  had  two  or  three  times  volunteered 
to  go  in  search  of  Pauline,  for  whom  I  felt  great  anxiety,  when  a 
man  came  running,  breathless  with  speed,  begging  me  to  go  to 
Colonel  Clifford.  He  was  dying. 

I  was  on  my  way  in  a  moment,  Joseph  attending  me  to  the 
door.  How  can  I  describe  to  you  what  I  saw  ?  In  order  to  make 
it  intelligible,  I  must  relate  what  the  Doctor  and  Pauline  afterwards 
told  me.  As  soon  as  they  started  on  their  walk,  she  communicated 
to  Eugene  the  circumstances  I  had  related  to  her ;  and  insisted 
that  he  should,  without  delay,  make  them  known  to  his  lather, 
saying, "  perhaps  he  will  withdraw  his  consent  when  he  hears  that 
I  am  a  foundling." 

Eugene  spurned  the  idea,  as  unworthy  either  of  him  or  his  father, 
and  protested  that  he  only  loved  her  the  better.  He  earnestly 
implored  her  to  go  with  him,  to  which  she  reluctantly  consented. 
He  found  the  Doctor  by  the  bed  side,  and  leaving  his  beloved  in 
the  next  room,  he  went  in.  Having  requested  the  Doctor  to 
remain,  he  went  on  to  tell  his  father  briefly  that  Pauline  was  only 
an  adopted  child  of  Dr.  Lenox,  and  that  she  would  not  consent  to 
their  betrothal  until  he  were, made  aware  of  the  circumstances, 
and  had  given  his  consent. 

"  Tell  her,  my  son,  that  can  make  no  difference  in  our  feelings. 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  369 

Bring  her  to  me,  I  will  tell  her  so."  Eugene  led  her  in  ;  but  no 
sooner  did  he  see  her,  than  he  started  forward  as  if  to  take  her 
in  his  arms,  and  then  with  a  loud  scream  fell  back  upon  the 
pillows. 

The  Doctor  and  Eugene  sprang  forward  in  affright  to  raise  him, 
and  threw  water  in  his  face,  when  he  gasped  for  breath,  and 
pointing  his  thin  finger  to  where  Pauline  stood,  tried  to  speak,  but 
lor  a  moment  was  unable.  "  Eugene,"  at  length  he  gasped  out, 
"  she  is  your  sister,  Inez,"  and  fainted. 

Pauline,  intensely  surprised,  and  agitated,  darted  forward,  and 
kissed  the  face,  brow  and  lips  of  the  unconscious  man,  crying, 
"  Oh !  father,  bless  me  before  you  die." 

When  he  opened  his  eyes,  her  sweet  voice  was  pleading  for  a 
blessing.  A  heavenly  smile  lit  up  his  face,  as  he  said,  "  Imogen, 
my  own  Imogen,  I  do  bless  thee,  sweet  wife  !  "  He  thought  her 
his  lost  Imogen.  But  he  soon  knew  her,  and  called  her  his  beloved 
daughter  Inez,  whom  he  now  saw  for  the  first  time.  She  turned 
from  him  to  Eugene,  who  sat  bitterly  weeping  with  his  head  buried 
in  his  dying  father's  pillow ;  and  putting  her  arms  tenderly  about 
his  neck,  said,  "  be  comforted,  dear  Eugene,  you  have  gained  a 
sister." 

The  Doctor  administered  a  cordial  to  the  Colonel,  who  he  saw 
was  fast  failing  ;  and  had  sent  for  me. 

When  I  entered  the  room,  the  dying  man  was  passionately 
kissing  the  little  miniature  contained  in  the  locket ;  and  from  that, 
as  well  as  his  instant  recognition  of  the  writing  of  his  wife  in  the 
letter,  there  is  no  longer  any  doubt  that  she  is  his  child. 

He  requested  the  Doctor  to  open  a  pocket  book,  and  take  out 
a  blank  envelope.  Opening  this,  he  showed  some  of  the  writing 
of  Imogen,  which  exactly  compared  with  the  other.  Again,  and 
again  blessing  his  long  lost  child,  and  bidding  his  children  love 
each  other  as  brother  and  sister,  he  requested  to  be  left  alone  with 
the  Doctor ;  when  he  told  him  where  to  find  the  packet  directed 
to  his  son,  to  be  left  in  his  care.  He  expressed  renewedly  his 


370  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR. 

thanks  that  these  disclosures  had  been  brought  to  light  in  season 
to  prevent  so  unnatural  a  marriage.  He  gave  some  directions, 
rendered  necessary  by  the  wonderful  discovery.  He  then  said, 
calmly,  "  I  have  now  done  with  earth,"  and  requested  the  Doctor 
to  call  his  children  to  see  him  die. 

Eugene  threw  himself  upon  the  bed  in  an  agony  of  grief. 
"  My  soul  cleaveth  unto  thee,  my  son,"  said  the  dying  man.  And 
again  mistaking  Pauline  for  his  beloved  wife,  he  made  an  effort  to 
reach  her,  exclaiming,  "  I  come,  my  Imogen  —  I  —  come  !  " 

Scarcely  had  the  last  words  ceased  to  echo  through  the  room, 
when  the  spirit  of  Colonel  Clifford  joined  his  companion  in  the 
world  above. 

Thursday,  March  13th. 

The  remains  of  our  deceased  friend  have  been  laid  by  the  side 
of  her  whom  he  so  tenderly  loved,  to  rest  until  the  morning  of 
the  resurrection.  The  arrangements  for  keeping  the  sacred  place 
from  intrusion  are  completed,  and  we  are  only  waiting  the  arrival 
of  the  monument,  which  the  Doctor  has  ordered  from  Rome, 
before  we  take  leave  of  our  respected  friend,  Mr.  Percival,  and 
depart  for  Paris. 

"  Thither  where  she  lies  buried, 
That  single  spot  is  the  whole  world  to  me." 


CHAPTER    XXXVII. 

"I  had  so  fixed  my  heart  upon  her, 
That  wheresoe'er  I  fram'd  a  scheme  of  life 
For  time  to  come,  she  was  my  only  joy, 
With  which  1  used  to  sweeten  future  cares; 
I  fancy'd  pleasures,  none  but  one  who  loves 
And  doats  as  I  did,  can  imagine  like  them."        OTWAY. 


Friday,  March 

TO-DAY  Joseph  received  a  letter  from  Monsieur  Vinet  in  reply 
to  one  he  wrote,  stating  the  time  of  our  leaving  for  Paris.  He 
writes  that  he  will  accompany  Adele  to  Nice  a  day  or  two  before 
that  time,  as  she  has  a  strong  desire  to  become  acquainted  with 
persons  of  whom  she  has  heard  so  much  from  her  friend,  Monsieur 
Morgan.  For  a  few  days  past,  I  have  noticed  that  Pauline 
remained  more  in  the  room  when  Joseph  was  conversing  with  the 
Doctor,  and  when  thinking  herself  unnoticed,  her  attention  became 
absorbed,  and  her  eyes  flashed,  while  the  color  came  and  went, 
giving  her  beautiful  countenance  a  most  bewitching  variety  of 
expression. 

But  if  cousin  happened  to  turn  his  eye  in  that  direction,  though 
the  rich  bloom  on  her  cheek  might  assume  a  deeper  tinge,  yet  the 
long  silky  fringes  instantly  drooped  over  her  tell-tale  eyes.  I  am 
sometimes  almost  vexed  with  Joseph.  If  he  took  half  the  pains 
to  win  her  confidence  that  he  did  formerly,  this  reserve  and  cool 
ness  might  be  exchanged  for  the  most  delightful  friendship.  I 
wonder  if  he  ever  thinks  of  his  request  when  she  was  a  baby, 


372  CORA   AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

that  I  would  train  her  for  him.  If  he  does,  it  is  only  to  laugh  at 
the  follies  of  his  youth.  But  I  suppose  what  Frank  suspects  may 
be  true  ;  that  he  is  attached  to  Adele.  She  will  be  here  shortly, 
and  we  shall  see. 

Tuesday,  March  18th. 

This  morning  Franky,  who  is  full  of  mischief,  put  his  hand 
slyly  into  Joseph's  pocket  and  pulled  out  a  letter.  Cousin  was 
busily  reading,  and  did  not  notice  the  theft  until  the  young  rogue 
put  on  his  father's  glasses,  and  crossing  the  room  to  place  himself 
in  an  elevated  position,  began  to  read  aloud.  Pauline,  though 
trying  to  restrain  her  mirth,  yet  shook  her  head ;  but  as  I  recog 
nized  the  letter  as  the  one  from  Monsieur  Vinet,  and  Joseph  had 
read  it  aloud,  I  thought  I  would  not  spoil  Master  Franky's  sport. 
The  young  gentleman  is  by  no  means  an  expert  at  deciphering  a 
fine  hand,  and  though  the  letter  was  written  in  English,  failed  to 
make  sense.  He  therefore  turned  to  the  postscript,  and  elevating 
his  voice  to  arrest  attention,  began,  "Beloved  friend,  —  The  time 
seems  very  long  since  we  parted,  and  I  know  you  will  be  pleased 
to  hear  from  your  friend  Adele  "  — 

At  the  sound  of  that  name,  Joseph  started,  and  with  a  quick 
glance  around  the  room,  snatched  the  letter  from  Franky,  saying, 
"  did  n't  you  know  it  was  very  improper  to  read  letters  not  directed 
to  yourself?  " 

"  I  would  n't  have  read  it,  Joseph,  if  I  had  known  'twas  a  love 
letter." 

"  Pshaw,"  said  cousin,  looking  very  much  annoyed  as  he  saw  us 
laughing  at  his  expense. 

Nelly,  who  is  a  great  favorite,  went  and  put  her  arms  around 
her  cousin's  neck,  saying,  "  They  sha  n't  laugh,  Joseph,  you  shall 
have  just  as  many  letters  as  you  please,  and  nobody  but  you  and 
I  shall  read  them.  Dear  Jo,"  she  asked  in  a  whisper,  "  Is  she  a 
darling  ?  Shall  I  love  her,  when  she  is  my  cousin  ?  " 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF   A  PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  373 

Joseph  started  to  his  feet.  "  Who  has  put  such  nonsense  into 
your  head  ?  Coz,"  he  continued,  turning  to  me,  "  where  did  Frank 
get  hold  of  that  letter  ?  " 

"  He  must  answer  for  himself,"  I  replied.  As  I  looked  up  from 
my  sewing,  I  saw  that  Pauline  had  left  the  room.  After  due 
confession  from  the  delinquent,  and  a  suitable  shaking  from  Joseph, 
by  way  of  reproof,  which  made  the  house  ring  with  his  merry 
laughter,  cousin  continued  his  reading  for  half  an  hour,  when  he 
started  up,  saying  he  would  go  and  meet  the  Doctor,  who  was  at 
Mr.  Percival's. 

At  that  instant  Franky  returned  to  the  parlor,  with  a  very 
dolorous  expression  upon  his  countenance.  "  Mamma,"  he  ex 
claimed,  "  Pauline  is  crying  as  if  her  heart  would  break,  and  she 
won't  tell  me  what 's  the  matter  with  her,  though  I  've  asked  her 
ever  so  many  times." 

This  was  so  unusual  an  occurrence  that  I  started  to  my  feet  to 
go  to  her,  when  Eugene  threw  down  his  pencil,  (he  was  drawing 
a  sketch  of  the  house  where  his  mother  was  born,)  and  said,  "  let 
me  go,  mamma.  Please  let  me  try  my  skill  in  soothing  her 
grief.", 

I  reluctantly  resumed  my  seat.  Joseph  also  replaced  his  hat  in 
the  hall,  and  stood  looking  from  the  window.  "  We  must  hasten 
our  departure,"  said  I.  "  Pauline  is  growing  very  nervous,  which 
cannot  be  wondered  at.  Joseph,"  said  I,  addressing  him,  "  I  almost 
regret  having  followed  your  advice,  to  tell  her  she  was  not  my 
own  child.  She  grows  thinner  and  paler  every  day." 

For  a  moment,  Joseph  remained  silent,  and  I  was  almost  vexed 
that  he  was  not  more  interested  for  Pauline,  when  he  replied,  in 
an  unnatural  voice,  "  Cora,  I  hardly  think  you  are  aware  what 
you  say.  Would  you  have  had  her  marry  her  brother  ?  " 

His  tone  conveyed  such  bitter  reproof  that  my  eyes  filled  with 
sears.  For  the  first  time,  he  turned  from  the  window,  and  looked 
at  me.  I  saw,  with  surprise,  that  he  was  very  pale.  He  ap 
proached,  holding  out  his  hand,  "  forgive  me,  cousin ;  I  spoke 

32 


374  COKA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

harshly  ;  but  would  n't  it  be  better  for  you  to  go  to  Pauline.  She 
may  not  like  to  have  Eugene  witness  her  grief." 

"  Why  ?  "  I  asked.     "  She  is  very  fond  of  her  brother." 

He  walked  quickly  across  the  floor.  "  You  forget,"  said  he  in 
a  hoarse  voice,  "  how  lately  she  loved  him  as  her  future  husband. 
I  have  seen  the  struggle  in  her  mind,  to  overcome  such  an  affec 
tion,  or  rather  to  change  it  to  the  calm,  though  deep  affection  of  a 
sister." 

I  looked  at  Joseph  earnestly,  as  he  walked  back  and  forth  across 
the  room,  with  knitted  brow  and  closely  shut  lips,  and  tried  to 
discover  the  cause  of  his  agitation.  At  length  he  stopped  before 
me,  and  said,  "  Avill  you  go  to  her  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  I  replied,  laying  aside  my  work.  As  I  went  above,  I 
heard  him  leave  the  house. 

When  I  entered  the  school-room,  I  found  Pauline  sitting  with 
her  head  resting  on  her  brother's  shoulder,  while  his  arm  was 
around  her.  She  had  ceased  weeping,  but  still  looked  very  sad. 
"  Mamma,"  said  Eugene,  "  I  've  been  telling  her  how  very  naughty 
it  is  for  her  to  feel  sorrow,  and  not  allow  me  to  share  it  with  her. 
She  won't  even  tell  me  what  makes  her  weep/'  Pauline  put  her 
handkerchief  quickly  to  her  face  to  hide  the  tears  which  were 
streaming  unbidden  down  her  cheeks.  I  motioned  to  him  to 
leave  her  with  me.  He  kissed  her  tenderly  and  went  below.  I 
then  led  the  weeping  girl  into  my  own  room,  and  having  fastened 
the  door,  I  sat  by  her  side,  and  begged  her  to  tell  me  what  had 
afflicted  her. 

"  There  is  a  shadow  far  within  your  eye, 
Which  hath  of  late  been  deepening.    You  were  wont 
Upon  the  clearness  of  your  open  brow 
To  wear  a  brighter  spirit,  shedding  round 
Joy,  like  this  southern  sun.     It  is  not  well, 
If  some  dark  thought  be  gathering  o'er  your  soul, 
To  hide  it  from  affection.     Why  is  this, 
My  Pauline,  why  is  this  ?  " 

But  after  talking  with  her  for  nearly  half  an  hour,  I  was  no 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  375 

wiser  than  at  first.  I  could  only  get  from  her  the  confession  that 
she  was  very  unhappy,  and  wished  she  were  safely  at  home  in 
Crawford.  I  hinted  to  her  what  I  suspected,  that  she  found  it 
difficult  to  change  the  nature  of  her  affection  for  her  brother  so 
suddenly.  She  looked  up  quickly,  as  she  replied,  "  JMamma,  I 
was  deceived  as  to  the  nature  of  my  love  for  him.  I  never  could 
have  married  Eugene  ;  but  he  is  very  dear  to  me  as  a  brother." 

Hearing  the  outer  door  open,  she  sprang  upon  her  feet,  painfully 
embarrassed,  and  was  going  hastily  from  the  room,  but  returned, 
and  said  in  a  low  voice,  "  Please,  mamma,  say  nothing  of  this  to 
any  one ;  I  will  endeavor  to  be  cheerful." 

When  I  went  below,  Frank  had  returned,  and  soon  Joseph  came 
in,  and  seating  himself  near  the  window,  commenced  reading  in 
the  book  which  had  so  much  interested  him  when  Franky  stole 
his  letter.  I  drew  my  husband  to  a  retired  part  of  the  room,  and 
told  him  I  wished  to  leave  Nice  as  soon  as  possible  for  the  sake  of 
Pauline. 

After  many  questions  on  his  part,  and  many  replies  on  mine,  I 
told  him  what  she  said  with  regard  to  Eugene.  "  I  think  she 
speaks  truly  there,"  exclaimed  Frank  eagerly.  "  I  am  convinced 
she  never  loved  him.  I  mean  as  a  suitor.  I  was  almost  sure  of 
it  at  the  time.  She  ought  to  be  very  thankful  it  has  turned  out 
so  well  for  her." 

"  She  is  so,"  I  replied.     "  She  says,  he  is  a  very  dear  brother." 

Here  Joseph  threw  down  his  book,  and  taking  his  hat  walked 
away  from  the  house  as  if  his  very  life  depended  upon  his  speed. 
The  Doctor  laughed  heartily,  as  he  exclaimed,  "what  an  odd 
fellow  Joseph  is  !  I  wonder  what  started  him  off  on  such  a  race. 
See  there,"  he  continued,  approaching  the  window,  "  he  is  almost 
out  of  sight." 

Pauline  begged  to  be  excused  from  coming  down  to  tea ;  but 
stole  quietly  in  as  we  were  sitting  talking  in  the  moonlight.  I  hope 
she  will  ieel  better  in  the  morning. 


376  CORA  AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

Wednesday,  March  19th. 

"We  were  seated  at  the  breakfast  table  this  morning,  when  Ruth 
entered,  bringing  an  exquisite  bouquet,  and  saying  with  an  expres 
sive  grin,  "  Here,  Misse  Pauline,  dis  bunch  posies  for  you." 

"  "Who  brought  them  ?  "  was  eagerly  asked  by  several  voices. 
Franky  took  a  French  leave  of  the  company  and  rushed  down 
the  street  after  the  boy  who  had  left  them  at  the  door.  But  he 
could  not  overtake  him,  and  returned  to  join  in  the  curiosity 
expressed  on  all  sides,  to  know  the  donor  of  so  tasteful  a  gift. 

Ruth  was  questioned  again  and  again,  and  asked  to  recollect  if 
there  was  no  message.  But  she  kept  firmly  to  her  original  story ; 
"  He  laugh  and  say,  he  told,  bring  dat  Misse  Pauline ;  'pears 
like  he  mighty  pleased  heself." 

The  bouquet  was  passed  from  one  to  another  and  was  much 
admired.  Joseph  said,  "  whoever  sent  it  might  think  himself  well 
paid  if  he  knew  what  a  sensation  it  has  caused." 

"When  Pauline  came  to  dinner  she  had  selected  a  bright  scarlet 
verbina  with  a  few  queen  leaves  and  twined  them  around  her 
dark  tresses,  which  gave  quite  a  glow  to  her  pale  countenance.  I 
saw  cousin  look  very  earnestly  at  her  as  she  was  seated  opposite 
him  at  table.  The  color  deepened  as  she  met  his  gaze,  and  this 
greatly  added  to  her  beauty. 

Nelly  has  just  run  up  from  the  parlor  for  me  to  go  below. 
Monsieur  Vinet  has  come  with  Adele.  Now  we  shall  leave  Nice 
in  a  very  few  days. 

Thursday,  March  20th. 

"We  are  all  of  us  charmed  with  Adele.  She  said  she  had  heard 
Monsieur  Morgan  speak  of  us  so  often,  she  felt  as  if  she  were 
acquainted  with  us.  When  her  countenance  is  in  repose,  which 
to  be  sure  is  very  seldom,  there  is  nothing  about  it  to  attract 
attention.  But  the  moment  she  speaks,  her  whole  face  lights  up, 
and  there  is  a  wonderful  play  of  the  features,  which  arc  ever 
changing  their  expression.  She  has  handsome  hair  and  eyes. 


OK,  KEVELATIONS   OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  377 

She  wears  her  hair  in  quite  a  unique  style,  being  parted  smoothly 
off  her  brow,  and  after  being  gathered.  into  a  knot  behind  is  worn 
like  a  coronet  around  her  head.  She  is  very  graceful  and  fasci 
nating;  and  we  consider  her  an  agreeable  addition.  to  our  party. 

When  we  came  down  to  breakfast  this  morning,  a  vase  was 
standing  by  Pauline's  plate  filled  with  flowers  still  fresh  with  the 
dew.  As  I  stooped  over  them  to  inhale  their  fragrance,  I  saw  a 
card  among  the  leaves  with  the  words  "  For  the  lovely  Pauline, 
with  the  best  wishes  of  a  friend."  The  penmanship  was  delicate, 
like  that  of  a  lady  ;  but  we  did  not  recognize  it. 

When  Nelly  explained  the  mystery  connected  with  the  flowers 
to  Adele,  she  was  quite  enthusiastic  upon  the  subject,  and  said 
gayly  :  "  Oh  !  I  do  so  love  a  mystery.  It  is  so  romantic.  It  is 
charming!"  But  she  was  unwearied  in  her  efforts  to  unravel  it. 
She  first  charged  Eugene  with  being  the  donor,  which  charge  he 
stoutly  denied.  Then  she  shook  her  finger  at  Joseph.  "Ah, 
monsieur,  you  are  the  one.  Now  I'll  call  you  to  account  for  this 
piece  of  coquetry." 

But  Joseph  only  looked  annoyed  and  said,  "  I  have  not  left  the 
house  this  morning." 

After  all  had  expressed  an  opinion,  Pauline  exclaimed,  "I 
know  who  sent  it." 

"  Who  ?  who  ?  "  questioned  Adele  and  Nelly,  both  at  once. 

"  Mr.  Percival,  dear  Mr.  Percival,"  she  answered  Avith  enthu 
siasm.  I  happened  to  meet  Joseph's  eye,  which  very  much 
resembled  the  Joseph  I  knew  in  B  -  ;  but  he  instantly  looked 
down  and  bit  his  lip  to  keep  from  laughing. 


Saturday,  March 
The  last  two  days  have  been  spent  by  the  young  people 
in  visiting  for  the  last  time  all  the  favorite  haunts  and  places  of 
interest.  Pauline's  conduct  is  an  enigma  to  me.  Sometimes  she 
appears  very  cheerful,  and  often  when  with  Adele,  I  have  heard 
her  musical  laugh  ring  through  the  house  like  a  sweet  toned  bell  ; 

32* 


378  CORA   AND   THE   DOCTOR  ; 

but  it  is  a  forced  laugh,  and  is  almost  always  followed  by  great 
sadness.  To-day  her  appearance  pleased  me  better  than  it  had 
for  a  long  time.  I  thought  her  more  natural.  But  this  evening 
she  is  worse  than  ever.  From  what  Nelly  told  me  to-night,  I 
fear  this  state  of  her  spirits  is  somewhat  connected  with  Joseph. 
During  their  frequent  rambles,  Pauline  has  always  clung  closely 
to  her  brother's  arm  before  they  left  the  house,  to  prevent  the 
possibility  of  walking  with  her  cousin.  But  to-night  I  noticed 
that  when  they  returned,  Adele  accompanied  Eugene,  and  his 
sister  had  taken  Joseph's  arm,  while  Franky  held  his  cousin  by 
the  hand.  They  were  talking  quite  cheerfully  as  they  approached 
the  house.  I  thought  Joseph  gazed  down  upon  his  companion 
with  something  of  the  reverence  with  which  he  regarded  her  in 
former  years. 

But  after  tea,  Pauline  happened  to  go  with  Nelly  into  the 
school-room,  and  found  Joseph  sitting  by  the  window  with  Adele. 
To  use  Nelly's  words,  "  Cousin  Joe  was  holding  her  hand  in  his, 
and  she  was  "crying.  She  said,  '  oh  !  Monsieur,  I  can't  indeed !  I 
can't  bear  such  treatment.'  I  was  just  going,"  Nelly  continued, 
"  to  ask  her  what  was  the  matter,  but  Pauline  pulled  me  away." 

«  Where  is  Pauline  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  She  is  in  her  room,  mamma."  I  went  to  her  door,  but  found 
it  locked.  This  must  not  go  on  so.  I  am  glad  we  are  to  leave 
here  Monday  morning. 

Paris,  Monday,  March  31st. 

The  Doctor,  Joseph  and  Eugene  are  planning  excursions  enough 
to  last  for  a  month.  Adele,  who  resides  Avith  her  uncle  in  this 
city,  has  promised  to  accompany  the  young  people  to  all  its  places 
of  interest.  Indeed  she  has  already  begun  to  do  so.  Her  uncle, 
who  is  also  her  guardian,  is  one  of  the  firm  where  Joseph  is  a 
partner;  and  it  is  thus  she  has  become  acquainted  with  him.  I 
have  noticed  that  since  Pauline  saw  Adele  weeping  in  the  school 
room  with  Joseph,  she  has  avoided  her  cousin  more  assiduously 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  379 

than  ever.     I  am  intending  to  renew  some  of  my  former  acquain 
tances,  \vhile  the  others  are  sight-seeing. 

Evening. 

Pauline's  bouquets  have  followed  her  to  Paris.  This  evening 
she  received  a  magnificent  one.  She  said,  "  I  am  now  fully 
convinced  father  procured  them  for  me."  I  looked  quickly  at 
Frank,  who  only  smiled. 

"  Oh  !  papa,"  said  Pauline,  throwing  her  arms  about  his  neck 
with  a  natural  burst  of  feeling,  "  I  thank  you  so  much.  How 
very,  very  kind,"  and  she  kissed  him  affectionately.  But  the  next 
moment  Avith  a  convulsive  sob  she  sank  back  into  her  chair  and 
wept  bitterly. 

Joseph  flew  to  her  side,  and  leaning  forward  said, "  Dear 
Pauline,  how  can  I  comfort  you  ?  " 

Her  father  sent  the  children  from  the  room,  and  took  her 
tenderly  on  his  knee,  where,  drawing  her  head  to  his  breast,  he 
whispered,  "  Pauline,  my  own  dear  child,  cannot  you  tell  your 
father  the  cause  of  your  grief  ?  " 

I  sat  by  her  side  while  Joseph  walked  the  room,  stopping  ever 
and  anon  as  if  about  to  speak,  and  then  checking  himself  with 
difficulty.  After  a  short  time  Pauline  became  more  composed,  so 
that  she  could  speak,  and  she  raised  her  eyes  mournfully  to  her 
father's  face  as  she  said,  "  I  forgot  you  were  not  my  father,  and  I 
was  so  happy." 

"VVe  were  all  much  affected  at  the  deep  sadness  of  her 
tone,  and  Frank  said,  "  Let  us  all  forget  it,  my  daughter.  Your 
father  loves  you  truly  and  tenderly  ; "  and  he  pressed  her  in  his 
arms  as  she  lay  like  a  child,  hiding  her  face  in  his  bosom. 

Joseph  could  restrain  himself  no  longer,  but  rushed  forward  and 
etooping  down,  took  her  unresisting  hand.  "  Pauline,  dearest 
Pauline,  /cannot  forget  it,  for  the  hour  I  learned  that  Eugene 
\vas  your  brother,  was  the  happiest  of  my  life.  Won't  you  look 
at  me,  dearest,  to  show  you  forgive  me  ? " 


380  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

But  the  weeping  girl  clung  to  her  father,  Avhile  she  absolutely 
shook  with  emotion. 

Just  at  this  moment,  Adele  burst  into  the  room  with  very 
evident  marks  of  excitement.  Her  eyes  were  much  inflamed, 
and  bore  signs  of  excessive  weeping.  She' walked  quickly  up  to 
Joseph,  and  requested  to  see  him  alone. 

Though  evidently  much  annoyed,  he  led  her  into  the  next 
apartment,  where  we  heard  their  voices  in  earnest  conversation 
for  a  short  time ;  then  she  wept  aloud,  and  I  could  hear  Joseph 
try  to  soothe  her,  and  beg  her  to  compose  herself.  Soon  after,  he 
left  with  her  in  the  carriage  which  brought  her  to  our  hotel. 

Frank  looked  much  perplexed,  and  almost  stern.  Pauline 
wept  so  violently  he  feared  the  effect  upon  her.  She  sobbed  out, 
"  Oh,  papa ! "  and  pressed  her  hand  to  her  heart.  It  was  nearly 
an  hour  before  we  succeeded  in  getting  the  poor  child  to  her 
chamber,  and  when  I  left  her  she  promised  to  try  to  sleep.  The 
Doctor  is  determined  to  wait  for  Joseph,  and  demand  an  explana 
tion  of  his  conduct,  and  as  I  am  too  excited  to  sleep,  I  have 
employed  myself  in  writing. 

Tuesday,  April  1st. 

After  sitting  up  to  receive  Joseph,  Avho  occupies  rooms  at  our 
hotel,  until  after  two  this  morning,  Frank  retired  to  bed.  I  have 
rarely  seen  him  more  displeased.  He  says  Joseph  has  trifled 
with  Pauline's  affections.  I  did  not  know  what  to  think.  I  never 
saw  anything  in  his  conduct  which  led  me  to  suppose  he  loved 
her. 

We  were  dressing  for  breakfast  when  a  servant  brought  the 
Doctor  a  note.  It  was  from  cousin,  begging  to  see  him  as  soon  as 
possible.  Frank  followed  the  servant,  instead  of  sending  an 
answer ;  and  you  can  easily  imagine  I  awaited  his  return  with  no 
little  impatience. 

At  length  I  went  to  see  if  Pauline  were  awake,  and  to  my 
astonishment  found  her  up  and  dressed.  Her  countenance  was 


OK,   REVELATIONS    OP  A  PHYSICIAN'S  WIFE.  381 

pensive ;  but  she  tried  to  smile  as  she  came  forward  for  her 
morning  kiss. 

We  were  hardly  seated  before  her  father  knocked  and  begged 
me  to  accompany  Pauline  to  the  parlor.  He  appeared  so  pleased, 
I  could  easily  see  that  Joseph  had  been  able  to  explain  his 
conduct  satisfactorily.  When  we  entered  the  parlor,  Joseph  came 
quickly  forward  to  meet  us.  Pauline  shrank  back  as  if  she  wished 
to  avoid  the  meeting ;  but  Joseph  spoke  a  few  words  in  her 
ear.  What  they  were,  I  have  not  been  able  to  find  out ;  but 
there  must  have  been  some  kind  of  a  charm  about  them,  for  the 
dear  girl  started  and  gazed  earnestly  at  him,  when  she  seemed  to 
feel  satisfied,  and  artlessly  put  her  hand  in  his.  After  pressing 
the  dear  little  treasure  again  and  again  to  his  lips,  he  led  her 
forward  to  where  I  sat  looking  on  with  astonishment.  "  Cousin 
Cora,"  said  he  to  me,  "  fifteen  years  ago  I  asked  the  hand  of  your 
daughter.  Your  husband  has  just  now  made  me  very  happy  by 
giving  his  consent.  Will  you  give  me  yours  ?  " 

"  You  are  making  a  very  bold  request,"  I  replied,  as  I  drew 
the  blushing  girl  nearer  to  me.  "  What  say  you,  my  daughter, 
shall  we  encourage  such  a  suit  ?  "  "  Just  as  you  please,  mamma." 

"No,  my  love,  not  just  as  /please.  You  must  speak  for 
yourself."  Joseph  had  thrown  himself  on  one  knee  before  us,  and 
having  made  a  prisoner  of  her  little  hand,  he  poured  out  all  the 
story  of  his  love  —  the  agony  he  had  experienced  when  he  visited 
Nice  and  found  her  affianced  to  Eugene,  and  the  many,  many 
doubts  and  fears  he  had  felt  on  account  of  her  cold  manner  toward 
him. 

The  poor  girl  trembled  excessively,  and  when  he  ceased,  seemed 
absolutely  unable  to  reply.  He  started  to  his  feet  and  said, 
"  O !  Pauline,  beloved  of  my  soul,  can  you,  will  you  accept  my 
love?" 

Making  a  great  effort,  she  said  in  a  very  low  voice,  "  I  do  love 
you,  dear  Joseph."  I  could  hardly  distinguish  the  words ;  but  I 
suppose  the  old  saying  is  true,  "  for  lovers'  eyes  are  sharp  to  see 


382  CORA  AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

and  lovers'  ears  to  hear,"  for  the  loving  Joseph  appeared  fully 
to  hear  and  appreciate  her  meaning,  and  was  by  no  means  sparing 
of  his  thanks  on  the  occasion.  I  took  the  first  opportunity  to 
leave  the  room,  though  Pauline  was  almost  frightened  at  the 
ardor  of  her  lover,  and  clung  to  my  dress,  as  I  attempted  to  pass 
her. 

The  Doctor  has  explained  to  me  what  appeared  strange  in  the 
conduct  of  our  cousin,  especially  as  connected  with  Adele.  Her 
history  I  will  give  you  in  a  few  words.  She  was  left  when  a 
child  to  the  guardianship  of  her  uncle.  Being  quite  an  heiress, 
he  wished  her  to  make  what  he  called  a  great  match.  But 
Mademoiselle,  whose  wishes  had  never  been  crossed — whose 
slightest  whim  had  been  law  to  the  whole  household,  had  fallen  in 
love  with  a  young  man  whose  only  inheritance  was  a  heart  full  of 
warm  and  generous  impulses,  united  to  a  strength  of  determined 
purpose,  which  would  in  the  end  surmount  all  obstacles  in  his 
path,  to  riches  and  honor.  All  the  wealth  of  his  affections  he  had 
lavished  upon  the  charming  Adele,  and  she  fully  reciprocated  the 
attachment.  But  Monsieur  Vinet,  her  guardian,  was  very  much 
enraged  when  the  young  and  ardent  lover  asked  the  hand  of  his 
niece,  and  positively  refused  his  consent.  It  was  this  which  had 
caused  him  to  send  her  for  a  time  to  his  brother  near  Nice,  in  the 
hope  that  absence  would  dissolve  their  foolish  fondness.  Joseph 
had  been  made  a  confidant  by  each  of  the  parties  ;  and  it  was  a 
letter  addressed  to  him  by  Monsieur  Couvier  that  had  so  distressed 
Adele  while  at  Nice.  It  was  a  short  postscript  in  relation  to  this 
subject  which  had  so  much  disturbed  cousin,  when  Franky 
commenced  reading  the  letter  aloud. 

The  crisis  of  her  troubles  which  had  occurred  at  a  time  so 
unfortunate  for  poor  Pauline,  was  caused  in  the  following  manner. 
Adele,  driven  almost  to  despair  by  the  inflexibility  of  her 
guardian,  determined  to  make  an  appeal  to  him  in  her  own  behalf. 
She  had  thrown  herself  at  his  feet,  and  with  all  the  enthusiasm  of 
her  impulsive  nature,  had  begged  his  consent  to  her  union  with 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  383 

the  one  she  loved.  She  offered  to  give  up  to  him  all  her  prop 
erty,  and  in  everything  else,  to  be  all  that  he  could  desire.  Mon 
sieur  Vinet  really  loved  his  niece  after  his  own  fashion,  and 
could  not  be  made  to  understand  why  she  should  prefer  a  man 
so  poorly  endowed  by  fortune,  to  one  who,  though  of  doubtful 
morals,  and  questionable  virtue,  yet  was  of  noble  birth  and 
princely  estate. 

Having  sued  in  vain  for  his  consent,  and  being  in  her  violent 
grief  wholly  unmindful  of  appearances,  she  had  driven  to  our 
hotel  to  beg  Joseph  to  intercede  for  her.  I  need  not  stop  to 
detail  all  that  followed.  Suffice  it  to  say  that  his  influence,  added 
to  the  distressing  agony  of  Adele  which  she  took  no  pains  to 
control  or  to  conceal,  at  length  prevailed,  and  Joseph  had  the 
pleasure  before  he  left  them  of  feeling  that  he  had  been  the  means 
of  securing  happiness  to  two  otherwise  distracted  hearts. 

x  Wednesday,  April  2d. 

This  morning  tne  mystery  connected  with  the  bouquets  has 
been  revealed.  After  receiving  her  morning  gift  from  the 
hands  of  the  servant,  Pauline  gracefully  went  to  her  father,  and 
thanked  him  for  giving  her  so  much  pleasure. 

Frank  looked  archly  at  Joseph,  who  quickly  dropped  his  eyes, 
to  conceal  the  look  of  merriment  which  begins  to  show  itself. 
"  Thank  you,  my  daughter,"  Frank  said,  returning  the  kiss,  "  but 
I  rather  think  you  Ve  bestowed  ^it  on  the  wrong  person." 

Pauline  started,  while  a  beautiful  rosy  hue  spread  all  over  her 
face,  and  gave  one  eager  glance  at  her  lover. 

I  saw  it  was  with  great  difficulty  that  Joseph  restrained  himself 
from  pressing  her  to  his  heart ;  but  he  bent  lovingly  over  her 
little  hand,  and  said  something  in  a  low,  yet  impassioned  voice. 
If  he  intended  to  drive  away  her  blushes,  he  was  unfortunate  in 
his  choice  of  words,  for  they  only  deepened. 

My  husband  and  I  have  been  talking  over  the  whole  of  this 
novel  courtship  from  beginning  to  end,  and  I  feel  quite  humbled 


884  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR. 

as  I  am  obliged  to  come  to  the  conclusion  that,  while  Joseph  for 
fifteen  years  has  never  wavered  in  his  affection  for  Pauline,  who, 
he  says,  first  awakened  him  to  a  sense  of  his  responsibility  as  a 
man  and  a  Christian,  I,  who  have  always  prided  myself  upon 
my  shrewdness  in  matters  of  the  heart,  have  been  blind  as  a  bat. 
We  expect  to  be  with  you  on  the  twenty-second  instant. 


CHAPTER    XXXVIII. 

"  And  lo !  at  last  relieved  from  every  toil, 
They  come !  the  wanderers  view  their  native  soil  I 
Then  the  bright  raptures  words  can  never  speak, 
Flash  in  their  eyes,  and  mantle  in  their  cheek ! 
Then  Love  and  Friendship,  whose  unceasing  prayer, 
Implored  for  them  each  guardian  spirit's  care ; 
In  that  blest  moment  all  the  past  forget, — 
Hours  of  susperise,  and  vigils  of  regret!  "        MRS.  HEMANS. 

Crawford,  Monday,  August  4th. 

DEAR  MOTHER,  —  Since  the  hasty  letter  I  wrote  you,  announc 
ing  our  safe  arrival  at  home,  my  time  has  been  so  fully  occupied 
that  I  have  been  altogether  unable  to  resume  my  journal.  Our 
dear,  lovely  Pauline  is  to  leave  us  the  first  of  October.  It  is 
fortunate  for  me  that  cares  and  duties  demand  every  moment  of 
my  time,  else  I  fear,  I  should  spend  much  of  it  in  the  unprofitable 
employment  of  weeping.  Indeed,  there  is  a  sad  weight  at  my 
heart,  and  sometimes  when  my  darling  child  sits  down  before  me, 
and  lays  her  head  in  my  lap,  I  am  completely  overcome.  How 
fully,  dear  mother,  I  can  enter  into  your  sorrow,  when  I  remember 
the  convulsive  embrace  with  which  you  held  me  to  your  heart  on 
the  event  of  my  leaving  home.  I  can  again  see  the  tears  which 
flowed  like  rain  down  your  pale  cheeks,  and  hear  your  broken 
voice  saying, "  May  God  bless  you,  my  own  dear  Cora,  and  comfort 
your  mother  in  her  loss." 

I  must  relate  to  you  one  little  circumstance  in  connection  with 
Pauline,  as  showing  the  length  of  her  attachment  to  Joseph. 

33 


386  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

Eugene  was  tiying  to  unlock  a  small  work-box,  (as  I  had  always 
taken  it  to  be,)  with  a  key  of  his  own,  his  sister  having  playfully 
refused  to  allow  him  to  see  the  contents.  She  sat  by  laughing, 
perfectly  secure  that  he  had  no  key  which  would  fit  the  lock,  when 
all  at  once  the  cover  flew  open.  I  had  just  entered  the  room, 
when  she  said  merrily,  "  There,  Eugene,  give  it  to  me.  It 's  use 
less  to  try ; "  when,  as  she  perceived  his  success,  her  tone  changed 
to  one  of  such  deep  distress,  as  she  eagerly  tried  to  take  it  from 
him.  "  Oh !  my  dear,  dear  brother,  do  give  it  to  me."  1  looked 
in  surprise.  Eugene  held  the  box  behind  him  while  she  stood 
with  anxious,  tearful  distress,  begging  him  to  restore  it.  I  stepped 
quietly  behind,  and  took  the  box  with  its  precious  contents  from 
his  hand. 

"  Eugene,"  said  I,  shaking  my  head  at  him,  "  you  are  a  naughty 
boy  to  tease  your  sister."  He  called  Nelly,  his  inseparable  com 
panion  and  adviser,  and  went  into  the  garden.  I  still  held  the 
box,  and  when  we  were  alone,  I  presented  it  to  her  with  a  smile, 
saying,  "  It  would  be  safer,  my  dear,  to  put  this  out  of  Eugene's 
way,  since  he  is  so  curious  to  know  the  contents." 

She  held  it  tightly  for  a  moment,  a  struggle  evidently  taking 
place  in  her  mind,  when  she  said  frankly,  "  Dear  mamma,  it  is 
only  some  letters  you  permitted  me  to  keep." 

"  Letters  from  whom  ?  "  I  asked  eagerly. 

She  put  the  whole  into  my  hands,  saying,  "  Dear  mamma,  you 
gave  them  to  me,"  and  she  hid  her  face  on  my  shoulder.  Judge 
of  my  surprise  when  I  found  letters  and  scraps  of  letters  dating 
back  as  far  as  1836,  when  Joseph  was  a  gay  boy.  In  truth 
almost  every  one  of  them  contained  some  message  to  his  young 
friend. 

Then  there  was  a  sheet  of  scribbling,  with  the  names,  Joseph 
Lenox  Morgan  and  Pauline  De  Lacy  Lenox,  written  in  every 
variety  of  penmanship,  in  cousin's  bold  hand.  These  were 
interspersed  with  pictures  evidently  drawn  to  please  a  young  child ; 
a  tall  gentleman  leading  a  little  girl ;  then  a  young  lady  taking  the 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  387 

arm  of  her  companion,  while  underneath  were  written  the  names 
"Joseph  and  Pauline.'7  These  were  the  precious  mementos 
which  she  had  hoarded  with  as  much  care  as  the  miser  does  his 
gold ;  and  she  confessed  with  tears,  that  when  Adele  was  with  us 
at  Nice,  almost  her  only  comfort  consisted  in  reading  over  and 
over  these  messages  of  love. 

"  When  Eugene  told  me  of  his  affection  for  me,"  she  added, 
with  a  slight  shudder,  "  I  thought  I  ought  to  destroy  them ;  but  1 
had  not  the  strength  to  do  it." 

I  pressed  the  artless  child  to  my  heart,  as  I  said,  "  And  when  I 
blamed  you  for  treating  Joseph  so  ill,  did  you  love  him  then?  " 

"  Oh !  mamma,"  said  she  weeping,  "  how  I  longed  to  tell  you 
all  about  it !  I  never  knew  until  Joseph  came,  how  much  I  loved 
him.  But  then  I  knew  also  that  Eugene  loved  me  and  desired 
me  to  return  his  affection,  and  I  feared  it  would  be  wrong  toward 
him,  for  me  to  show  my  strong  attachment  to  my  cousin.  Besides 
I  thought  Joseph  would  despise  me  if  he  saw  my  regard  for  him 
while  another  sought  my  heart  and  my  hand," 

Thursday,  October  2d. 

Yesterday  morning,  at  eleven  o'clock,  my  dear  Pauline  was 
married.  I  cannot  yet  realize  that  she  has  left  me.  The  young 
couple  started  directly  on  their  wedding  tour,  and  will  return  in 

a  fortnight  to  pass  a  few  days  with  us,  before  they  go  to  B , 

where  she  is  to  be  for  the  present,  in  the  family  of  her  father-in- 
law.  It  is  their  wish  to  give  up  the  whole  management  of  the 
household  to  her.  But  Joseph  prefers  to  wait  until  she  can 
determine  for  herself  whether  she  will  board  with  them,  or  whether 
the  new  couple  shall  set  up  a  separate  establishment  and  keep 
house  by  themselves.  In  the  midst  of  all  my  sadness,  I  cannot 
but  smile  at  his  treatment  of  her.  He  listens  to  her  words,  as  to 
oracles  of  wisdom,  and  is  as  tender  of  her  as  a  father  of  an  only 
and  a  feeble  daughter,  while  she  is  the  very  picture  of  health  and 
cheerfulness. 


388  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

But  I  forget  that  I  have  told  you  nothing  of  the  wedding,  —  the 
company,  —  the  ceremonies  and  the  bridal  gifts.  I  allowed  Pau 
line  to  make  her  own  arrangements,  and  was  not  a  little  surprised 
and  delighted  at  her  characteristic  choice  of  bridemaids.  In  all 
her  plans,  Eugene  and  Nelly  were  zealous,  if  not  able  advisers  ; 
and  I  doubt  whether  any  young  masters  or  misses  were  ever  more 
elated  than  were  those  appointed  to  this  service. 

Upon  Monday  evening,  Joseph  arrived  Avith  uncle  and  aunt 
Morgan.  Uncle  presented  his  intended  daughter  with  a  splendid 
service  of  plate,  manufactured  expressly  for  her ;  and  aunt,  with 
a  bridal  veil  which  Joseph  had  imported  for  her.  Tuesday 
evening  a  large  box  arrived  from  Lee  Hall,  directed  to  "  Mrs. 
Joseph  Morgan  elect"  Poor  Pauline  was  kept  very  rosy  from 
morning  till  night,  by  Eugene's  continual  practice  on  the  enun 
ciation  of  this  new  name,  that  he  might  obtain  its  sweetest  and 
most  approved  accent.  The  dear  girl  was  almost  overcome  by 
this  public  recognition  of  her  new  title.  On  opening  the  box,  it 
was  found  to  contain  a  magnificent  silver  urn  with  slop-bowl  to 
match,  lined  with  gold.  This  gift  was  from  our  dear  friend,  Mrs. 
Mansfield.  Many  other  appropriate  and  rich  presents  were 
received  from  friends,  which  I  have  not  time  to  specify,  as  I  must 
hasten  to  my  account  of  the  wedding. 

It  was  private,  but  few  being  present,  as  Pauline  is  to  meet  her 
friends  on  her  return,  and  has  appointed  the  twenty-first  of  October, 
her  father's  birth-day,  for  her  wedding  party. 

On  Wednesday  morning,  at  eleven  o'clock,  the  time  appointed 
for  the  ceremony,  Eugene  ushered  us  into  the  parlor,  where  we 
found  Allen  and  Lucy,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Clapp,  Miss  Proctor,  uncle 
and  aunt,  Mr.  Benson  and  Emily,  and  our  dear  mother  with  our 
beloved  pastor  and  his  family,  while  Caesar,  Phebe,  Ruth  and  Ann 
filled  up  the  back  ground,  and  gave  an  agreeable  variety  to  the 
shading  of  the  picture.  Eugene  formally  conducted  the  Doctor 
and  myself  to  the  seats  of  distinguished  guests,  and  then  retired 
to  fulfil  his  duty  as  master  of  ceremonies,  which  from  the  youth- 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  389 

fulness  and  inexperience  of  many  of  the  company,  and  the  perfect 
'order  with  which  they  entered  the  room,  must  have  required  BO 
little  skill  in  the  training. 

First  entered  Eugene  and  Nelly ;  then  Charles  Karswell  and 
Anna  Reynolds,  who  are  shortly  to  be  married ;  next  Henry 
Marshall,  grandson  of  our  friend  the  Attorney  General,  and 
Emily  Lenox  Mansfield ;  next  Franky  Lenox  and  Susy  Benson, 
Avhile  Willie  Reynolds  and  little  black-eyed  Hatty  Clapp  brought 
up  the  rear.  These  all  walked,  with  the  order  and  dignity  befitting 
the  occasion,  to  their  proper  places,  leaving  a  vacant  space  in  the 
centre  for  the  young  bride,  who  entered  last,  leaning  on  the  arm 
of  him  whom  she  had  loved  "  from  very  childhood  up." 

Truly,  they  were  a  noble  pair.  He  was  tall  and  erect,  with  a 
broad,  high  brow,  and  eyes  beaming  with  fondness  upon  the  fail- 
face  so  confidingly  upturned  to  his  own.  She  wore  a  white  satin 
dress  with  an  over-dress  of  gossamer  lace.  Her  hair,  which  she 
always  wore  in  natural  curls,  falling  upon  her  neck,  was  looped 
up  at  the  sides  with  a  wreath  of  orange  flowers,  that  also  confined 
her  veil.  Sister  Emily,  who,  with  Lucy  Mansfield's  assistance, 
dressed  the  bride,  and  gave  the  finishing  touch  to  the  dress  of  all 
the  young  men  and  maidens,  was  much  delighted  at  the  complete 
success  of  her  efforts.  Rev.  Mr.  Munroe,  by  a  few  mystic  words 
made  the  twain  one  forever.  Then  after  prayer  for  a  blessing  on 
the  happy  union,  all  walked  up  to  salute  the  bride. 

Though  my  heart  was  overflowing,  yet  I  had  been  able  to 
command  myself  until  my  husband  led  me  to  the  bride.  I  tried 
to  speak,  but  finding  my  voice  inarticulate,  hastily  kissed  her  and 
retired  for  a  few  moments  to  recover  myself.  When  I  returned 
to  the  room,  Cassar  was  passing  the  cake,  while  his  countenance 
wore  a  ludicrous  mixture  of  sorrow  and  delight.  He  evidently 
felt  a  strong  inclination  to  weep ;  but  his  duties  rendering  this 
inappropriate  and  inconvenient,  he  tried  to  assume  an  expression 
of  the  joy  which  he  conceived  to  be  more  befitting  the  occasion. 

Uncle  and  aunt  Morgan  will  remain  with  us  until  after  Pauline's 

38* 


390  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR. 

return  and  levee.  A  list  of  the  persons  to  be  then  invited  she 
put  into  the  hand  of  her  brother  Eugene.  The  day  before  she 
went,  she  consulted  me  about  the  number  she  should  invite.  I 
replied,  "just  as  many  as  you  please,  and  just  whom  you  please." 

From  her  choice  of  bridemaids,  I  rather  think,  there  will  be  a 
miscellaneous  company.  But  if  it  gives  the  dear  girl  pleasure 
and  affords  her  an  opportunity  to  take  leave  of  friends,  to  whom 
she  is  ardently  attached,  I  shall  be  satisfied. 

Both  she  and  Eugene  were  delighted  that  the  levee  would 
occur  on  their  father's  birth-day.  Emily  Benson  has  brought  her 
babies  to  make  us  a  family  visit  while  uncle  and  aunt  Morgan  are 
here,  so  that  I  have  no  time  to  be  lonely. 


CHAPTER    XXXIX. 

"  How  few,  like  thee,  inquire  the  wretched  out, 
And  court  the  offices  of  soft  humanity ! 
Like  thee,  reserve  their  raiment  for  the  naked, 
Reach  out  their  bread  to  feed  the  crying  orphan, 
Or  mix  the  pitying  tears  with  those'that  weep !  " 

ROWE. 

Wednesday,  October  22d. 

LAST  evening  the  company  began  to  assemble  for  the  levee  at 
an  early  hour,  and  consisted  of  persons  selected  without  any 
reference  to  the  accidental  distinctions  of  wealth  and  rank.  Mr. 
Marshall,  the  attorney  General,  and  Thomas  Jones  the  reformed 
inebriate,  but  now  one  of  the  most  respectable  and  respected  citi 
zens  of  the  town,  were  in  close  proximity.  Here  too,  were  Mr. 
Allen  and  Mrs.  Lucy  Mansfield,  at  the  head  of  the  wealthy  aris 
tocracy,  in  animated  conversation  with  "William  and  Anna  Rey 
nolds,  once  so  oppressed  with  poverty.  Mr.  Benson  and  Emily, 
who  would  anywhere  be  recognized  as  persons  of  true  refinement 
and  grace,  bestowed  special  attention  upon  those  present,  who 
were  unaccustomed  to  such  scenes,  and  on  that  account  timid  and 
reserved.  A  table  was  extended  the  entire  length  of  the  dining 
room,  and  bountifully  crowned  with  delicacies  and  luxuries,  of 
which  at  the  proper  hour  all  were  invited  to  partake.  The 
bride  and  bridegroom  with  their  train,  who  were  in  attendance  as 
at  the  wedding,  mingled  with  the  company  and  addressed  a  kind 
word  to  each. 


892  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

There  were  so  many  children  and  young  people  present  who 
were  obliged  to  leave  at  an  early  hour,  that  the  Doctor,  after  con 
sultation  with  me,  requested  Mr.  Munroe  to  close  this  interesting 
interview  with  prayer.  Instead  of  complying  immediately  with 
this  request,  I  noticed  that  Dr.  Clapp  stepped  forward  and  said 
something  to  the  Doctor,  and  then  suddenly  left  the  room  in  com 
pany  with  the  reverend  gentleman,  Mr.  Marshall,  Allen  Mans 
field,  and  one  or  two  others.  I  looked  at  Frank,  wondering  what 
this  could  mean.  He  whispered  to  me,,  that  Dr.  C.  wanted  to 
have  a  little  singing.  I  was  still  more  puzzled  when  Emily  Ben 
son  touched  my  arm  and  desired  to  speak  with  me.  "  They  have 
found  out,"  said  she,  "  that  it  is  Frank's  birth-day,  and  want  to 
sing  a  hymn  in  honor  of  the  event.  Take  his  arm  and  keep  him 
quiet,  just  where  you  are."  She  then  went  and  led  mother  and 
the  children  near  me,  and  taking  her  husband's  arm,  stood  be 
hind  us. 

The  gentlemen  returned,  and  Dr.  Clapp,  who  is  a  fine  singer, 
commenced  the  following  hymn,  in  which  he  was  joined  at  first 
by  nearly  all  the  company  except  our  immediate  family : 

To  him  who  e'er  hast  lent  a  hand 

In  hours  of  direst  woe, 
Who  like  a  brother  led  the  way, 

And  showed  us  how  to  go ; 
To  him  who  oft  has  bowed  the  knee 

Beside  the  lowly  cot, 
Here  thanks  we  give,  here  thanks  we  pay, 

On  this  thy  natal  day. 

Kind  benefactor,  brother,  friend, 

Our  words  but  feebly  tell 
The  gush  of  love  comes  over  us, 

And  in  our  bosoms  swell, 
For  all  thy  kindness,  all  thy  care 

For  souls  by  sin  oppressed, 
Here  thanks  we  give,  here  thanks  we  pay, 

On  this  thy  natal  day. 


OK,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  393 

May  He  who  in  his  precious  word 

Declares  the  giver  blessed, 
E'en  far  beyond  recipients, 

Pronounce  thee  doubly  blessed ; 
And  as  swift  years  their  circles  speed, 

May  lover,  children,  friends, 
Combine  to  bless  thy  natal  day, 

As  we  our  thanks  do  pay. 

I  never  knew  Frank  so  much  overcome.  He  put  his  handker 
chief  to  his  eyes,  and  then  made.a  movement  as  if  he  were  medi 
tating  an  escape  from  the  room ;  but  I  whispered,  "  don't  leave 
me,  Frank." 

"When  the  singing  terminated,  Rev.  Mr.  Munroe  stopped  for 
ward  and  began  to  make  a  speech.  My  heart  beat  very  fast ; 
and  for  a  moment  I  felt  as  if  I  were  going  to  be  married.  I  was 
so  much  overcome  that  I  could  not  hear  all  that  was  said,  but  the 
next  hour  was  occupied  with  speeches  addressed  to  the  Doctor, 
by  Rev.  Mr.  Munroe,  Mr.  Marshall,  Dr.  Clapp,  and  Thomas 
Jones ;  each  of  whom  in  a  most  delicate  manner,  spoke  of  his 
happy  influence  and  professional  services.  Mr.  Munroe  said, 
"  No  one  could  fully  estimate  the  value  of  the  labors  of  a  pious 
physician  this  side  of  eternity."  "  Everywhere,"  he  continued, 
"  among  this  people,  I  find  occasion  to  bless  God  for  locating  me 
in  a  parish  where  those  labors  abound." 

Dr.  Clapp  thanked  my  husband  for  his  kind  attention,  encour 
agement  and  friendship,  and  concluded  by  saying  "I  owe  all  my 
present  ease  and  comfort  to  you,  Dr.  Lenox." 

Allen  Mansfield  followed  him,  and  in  glowing  terms  spoke  of 
the  blessings  for  which  under  God  he  and  his  were  indebted  to 
Frank,  and  to  our  family. 

Next  Thomas  Jones  came  forward  to  acknowledge  his  obliga 
tions.  He  commenced  in  a  lofty  strain.  "  Dear  sir,  I  speak  not  for 
myself  alone,  but  for  a  large  class  in  the  community,  some  of 
whom  I  see  standing  around  you  and  your  worthy  lady  and 


394  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR  ; 

family,  persons  who  through  your  instrumentality." —  Poor  man, 
his  emotion  choked  his  utterance,  and  he  suddenly  stopped,  caught 
the  Doctor  by  the  hand,  and  broke  out  in  a  moi-e  natural  and 
therefore  impressive  strain ;  "  Oh,  sir,  think  what  I  was  when  you 
found  me,  took  me  out  of  the  ditch,  led  me  home  by  the  hand, 
encouraged  and  warned  me,  prayed  with  me  and  for  me  ;  think 
of  me,  a  poor  besotted  drunkard,  frightening  my  own  wife  and 
children,  and  see  what  your  kindness  has  made  of  me  and  of 
them.  I  say  with  Dr.  Clapp,  that  under  God,  I  owe  all  this  to 
you,  Doctor ;  and  there 's  many  here  whose  hearts  are  saying  the 
same  thing.  God  bless  you,  Doctor,  your  beloved  wife  and 
children ;  and  may  he  also  bless  us,  and  gladden  our  hearts,  by 
many  returns  of  your  birth-day.  Mr.  Willard  had  prepared  me 
a  fine  speech  for  the  occasion ;  but  before  I  got  through  the  first 
sentence  I  forgot  the  whole  of  it."  This  frank  acknowledgment 
suddenly  turned  the  sorrow  that  was  suffusing  so  many  eyes  into 
a  roar  of  laughter,  in  which  even  the  weeping  Doctor  could  not 
but  unite. 

Finally,  Mr.  Marshall  presented  himself  and  said,  "  Dr.  Lenox, 
there  are  many  persons  in  this  company  who  have  it  in  their 
hearts  to  reiterate  the  remarks  of  Mr.  Jones,  Dr.  Clapp  and  others 
who  have  addressed  you ;  but  the  lateness  of  the  hour  forbids  them 
the  pleasure.  Enough  has  been  said  to  convince  you,  their  es 
teemed  friend  and  physician,  that  your  labors  have  been  neither 
in  vain,  nor  unappreciated.  In  their  behalf  and  in  my  own  behalf, 
I  thank  you  for  your  ministrations  of  kindness,  for  your  charity 
to  the  poor,  and  your  relief  of  the  distressed ;  and  I  cordially 
unite  with  them  in  the  desire  that  your  life  and  valuable  services 
may  be  long  spared  to  us,  and  to  the  community  in  which 
we  live.  I  conclude  with  this  sentiment :  "  Our  beloved  physi 
cian —  he  has  sown  bountifully,  may  he  also  reap  bountifully, 
harvesting  esteem  in  this  world,  and  life  eternal  in  the  world  to 
come" 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF   A   PHYSICIAN'S    WIFE.  395 

"  Thy  natal  day  — 
And  duly  shall  our  raptured  song, 

And  gladly  shall  our  eyes 
Still  bless  this  clay's  return,  so  long 

As  thou  shalt  see  it  rise." 

When  he  had  closed,  Mr.  Marshall,  perceiving  that  the  Doctor 
was  too  much  overcome  to  attempt  a  reply,  turned  to  the  pastor, 
who  concluded  the  service  with  a  solemn  and  impressive  prayer. 
There  was  hardly  a  dry  eye  in  the  room,  while  Csesar  and  Phebe, 
who  stood  in  the  rear  of  our  family,  sobbed  aloud.  The  Doctor 
kept  his  handkerchief  to  his  eyes,  and  he  told  me  afterwards,  that 
it  was  with  difficulty  he  could  support  himself. 

After  prayer,  the  company  bade  us  good  night  and  retired. 
The  next  morning,  at  family  prayers,  I  was  delighted  to  hear  my 
husband  pray  that  he  might  not  be  led  to  take  to  himself  that 
glory  which  was  due  to  God  alone ;  but  that  the  late  scene  might 
humble  him  and  render  him  more  diligent  in  his  master's  service. 

Friday,  October  24th. 

This  morning,  before  Pauline's  departure,  Eugene  put  into  her 
hand,  legal  documents  conveying  to  her  one  half  of  their  deceased 
father's  estate.  Uncle  and  aunt  Morgan  are  to  return  with  the 
bride  and  bridegroom.  Charles  Karswell  and  Anna  Reynolds  are 
to  be  of  the  party  as  far  as  New  York  city,  and  Eugene  to  New 
Haven,  where  he  is  to  resume  his  place  in  the  senior  class  in  Yale 
College,  which  he  entered  at  the  last  commencement. 

Now  that  they  all  have  gone,  I  begin  to  realize  that  Pauline, 
the  child  of  my  heart,  has  left  me,  and  in  spite  of  all  my  efforts 
at  resistance,  a  sadness  steals  over  my  spirits.  I  try  to  compose 
myself,  and  to  realize  some  comfort  from  the  thought  my  dear 
husband  holds  up  to  my  view,  that  I  have  gained  a  son.  But  as 
yet  I  can  only  remember  that  I  have  lost  the  society  and  compan 
ionship  of  my  lovely  daughter;  I  think  that  Frank  feels  her  loss 
almost  as  much  as  I  do;  for  though  he  appears  very  cheerful,  yet 


396  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR. 

there  is  a  pallor  about  his  mouth  which  I  have  always  noticed 
when  his  feelings  are  deeply  moved.  I  heard  him  as  he  left  me 
to  visit  his  patients  humming  a  lively  tune ;  but  I  knew  that  he 
only  did  it,  as  boys  whistle  in  the  dark,  to  keep  their  courage 
up. 


CHAPTER  XL. 

(i  When  all  the  fiercest  passions  cease, 

(The  glory  and  disgrace  of  youth;) 
When  the  deluded  soul  in  peace, 

Can  listen  to  the  voice  of  truth ; 
When  we  are  taught  in  whom  to  trust, 

Arid  how  to  spare,  to  spend,  to  give; 
(Our  prudence  kind,  our  pity  give,) 

'Tis  then  \ve  rightly  learn  to  live."        CRABBE. 

"  Papers  relating  to  my  Moved  Imogen,  to  be  read  by  my  son  on 
his  attaining  his  majority.  H.  C.  S. 

"Mr  DEAR  SON  EUGENE,  —  When  you  unseal  this  packet, 
the  hand  which  wrote  this  brief  account  of  your  mother,  will  be 
mouldering  in  the  dust.  When  you  have  read  it,  you  will  need 
no  farther  explanation  of  the  cause  of  that  sorrow  which  has 
brought  me  to  the  grave.  Nor  will  you  wonder  that  I  could  never 
enter  upon  the  subject  so  often  and  so  naturally  referred  to  by 
you. 

"  My  beloved  Imogen,  your  mother  was  born  in  Nice,  of  highly 
respectable  and  wealthy  parents.  The  estate  on  which  they  lived, 
which  has  of  course  much  depreciated  in  value,  together  with 
funds  in  Paris,  enabled  them  to  live  in  comfort,  and  to  bestow  upon 
their  only  child,  Imogen,  the  best  advantages  of  education. 

"  In  the  autumn  of  1828, 1  went  to  Rome  for  the  winter.  There 
1  first  met  her,  whose  image  from  that  hour  to  the  present  has 
never  left  me.  Though  her  great  personal  beauty,  both  of  face 
and  figure,  joined  to  her  remarkable  mental  endowments,  rendered 

34 


398  CORA   AND    THE    DOCTOR; 

her  the  object  of  universal  admiration,  yet  I  alone  won  the 
affections  of  her  generous  heart,  a  heart  which,  though  warm  and 
impulsive  beyond  even  the  daughters  of  her  native  clime,  was  pure 
as  that  of  a  vestal. 

"  But  my  throbbing  pulse  and  trembling  hand  warn  me  not  to 
delay  at  this  point  of  my  story.  Suffice  it  to  say  that  I  returned 
with  my  beloved  Imogen  to  Nice,  and  our  betrothal  receiving  the 
sanction  of  her  parents,  we  were  married ;  their  only  condition 
being  a  promise  from  me,  that  when  I  was  ordered  abroad,  (I  was 
then  in  command  of  troops  in  his  majesty's  service,)  she  should 
return  to  them  to  remain  during  my  absence. 

"  No  language  can  describe  to  you  the  happiness  experienced 
by  us  during  the  few  years  which  followed.  An  amount  of 
happiness  not  often  vouchsafed  to  man.  Alas!  alas!  I  sought 
nothing  beyond  the  felicity  of  the  present  hour.  I  adored  my 
wife,  and  lovely  boy,  but  forgot  even  the  being  of  that  God,  who 
had  blessed  me  so  far  beyond  the  common  lot  of  mortals.  But 
early  in  the  year  of  1833,  I  was  fully  awakened  to  a  sense  of  my 
bliss,  by  the  thought  of  the  terrible  separation  which  had  now 
become  necessary.  I  received  orders  to  join  my  regiment  and 
go  to  India.  I  had  taken  one  furlough  after  another,  but  now 
there  could  be  no  more  delay.  In  the  first  frenzy  of  her  despair 
at  losing  me,  Imogen  insisted  upon  accompanying  me.  But  earn 
estly  as  my  heart  seconded  this  appeal,  I  could  not  be  so  rash  as 
to  allow  it.  It  was  within  a  few  months  of  her  accouchement ;  and 
I  determined  not  to  leave  her  until  she  was  safe  in  Nice  under  the 
care  of  her  parents.  This,  however,  circumstances  compelled  me 
to  do.  At  this  crisis,  Ralph  Mortimer,  a  young  officer,  who  was 
dear  to  me  as  a  brother,  arrived  in  England.  He  had  sold  out 
his  commission,  and  was  intending  to  go  to  France  to  recruit  his 
wasted  strength  and  spirits.  I  met  him  accidentally,  and  in  a  few 
moments  had  communicated  to  him  the  nature  and  depth  of  my 
affliction.  He  was  somewhat  roused  from  his  melancholy  by  my 
distress ;  and  without  detailing  minutely  what  followed,  it  was  at 


OR,  REVELATIONS   OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  399 

length  decided  that  I  should  remain  with  my  family  until  the 
time  of  sailing,  and  then  Mortimer  would  proceed  to  Nice  with 
Imogen  and  our  boy.  I  presented  every  possible  inducement  to 
him  to  remain  in  Nice,  that  I  might  feel  in  case  of  her  parents' 
death,  or  any  unforeseen  event,  that  my  dear  wife  would  have  a 
protector.  She,  however,  in  private  informed  me  that  she  feared 
constant  intercourse  with  a  man  so  morose  and  melancholy  would 
only  prey  upon  her  spirits.  But  I  hoped  much  from  her  influence 
to  overcome  this  morbid  state,  and  as  there  was  no  living  being 
in  whom  I  had  such  entire  confidence,  I  rather  urged  this  upon 
her.  My  friend  I  believed  to  be  the  very  soul  of  honor  and  — 
But  I  cannot  go  on.  I  have  been  thus  particular  to  show  you 
that  I  was  the  only  mover  in  these  arrangements  for  her  comfort 
during  my  absence  ;  and  that  she  unwillingly  agreed  to  them 
solely  out  of  her  affection  for  me ;  often  repeating,  that  in  the 
society  of  her  parents,  and  with  the  affection  and  nurture  of  her 
beautiful  boy,  she  should  endeavor  to  pass  away  the  time,  and 
count  the  months  when  I  should  return  to  her  arms. 

"  Passing  over  the  frantic  grief  of  my  loved  Imogen  from  whom 
I  was  obliged  forcibly  to  tear  myself  away,  I  went  mechanically 
on  board  the  vessel  which  I  regarded  with  horror  as  the  one 
that  was  to  bear  me  far  from  all  I  loved  ;  nay,  idolized.  Morti 
mer  accompanied  me,  and  I  was  startled  from  my  brief  uncon 
sciousness  and  unconcern  of  what  was  passing,  by  his  approaching 
to  take  leave. 

"  Drawing  him  passionately  to  a  retired  part  of  the  vessel,  I 
there  extracted  from  my  friend  a  promise  that  after  accompanying 
her  to  her  parental  home,  he  would  under  all  circumstances  watch 
over  her  with  the  affection  of  a  brother ;  that  he  would  never 
cease  his  efforts  for  her  happiness  or  prosperity.  All  this,  he 
solemnly  promised  out  of  regard  to  our  early  and  long  tried 
friendship.  Afterwards  I  let  him  go. 

"During  the   ensuing  year,   I  received  letters  from  home 
announcing  the  birth  of  a  little  daughter ;  and  also  the  sudden 


400  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

death  of  my  wife's  father,  which  latter  event  was  quickly  followed 
by  the  decease  of  her  mother. 

"  Imogen  was  now  alone,  arid  Mortimer,  though  still  an  invalid, 
prompted  by  his  desire  to  fulfil  his  promise  to  me,  spent  much  of 
his  time  in  her  blissful  society,  having  his  rooms  at  the  hotel,  which 
was  near  her  residence.  It  was  his  delightful  privilege  to  watch 
the  unfolding  of  our  two  precious  buds  of  promise,  to  administer 
consolation  to  his  sorrowing  charge  in  her  successive  bereavements. 
Alas !  alas !  while  soothing  her  grief,  a  pang  entered  his  own 
soul.  He  suddenly  awakened  to  the  fact  that  he  loved  one,  whose 
innocent  purity  of  thought  and  action  were  at  every  meeting  more 
and  more  apparent.  He  loathed  himself  for  his  perfidy  to  the 
brother  of  his  early  affections ;  that  he  had  thus  returned  the 
generous  confidence  which  had  confided  to  him  in  perfect  trust, 
the  wife  of  his  youth,  the  chosen  companion  of  his  heart. 

•"  But  I  am  anticipating.  Toward  the  close  of  the  year  1834, 
I  received  a  letter,  purporting  to  be  from  a  gentleman  residing  in 
Nice,  and  who  professed  great  interest  in  me.  This  letter,  though 
cautiously  written,  yet  more  than  hinted  at  the  unfaithfulness  of 
my  wife,  and  the  perfidy  of  her  companion,  Ralph  Mortimer. 
When  I  received  it,  like  the  bite  of  a  poisonous  serpent,  it  instantly 
diffused  itself  through  every  vein  in  my  body.  I  gnashed  my 
teeth  that  I  could  not  get  my  hands  upon  the  villain,  and  tear 
him  to  pieces.  But  I  was  thousands  of  miles  away,  and  must 
bear  my  dishonor  as  best  I  might.  After  a  night,  spent  in  such 
horror  as  no  words  can  describe,  I  determined  to  resign  my  com 
mission,  to  sacrifice  everything  in  order  to  get  home.  What  was 
to  become  of  me  when  there  I  never  thought.  But  before  I 
could  accomplish  my  wishes,  the  idea  which  waking  or  sleeping 
was  ever  before  me,  of  him  whom  I  considered  too  vile,  even  for 
the  company  of  devils,  in  the  constant  society  and  love  of  my 
hitherto  adored  wife  —  this  idea  so  wrought  upon  a  frame 
enfeebled  by  a  hot  climate,  that  I  was  laid  upon  my  couch  with 
fever.  So  violent  was  this  attack,  that  there  was  no  hope  of  my 


OB,   REVELATIONS    OF  A  PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  401 

recovery.  For  weeks,  I  lay  unconscious ;  but  when  I  recovered 
my  reason,  and  was  told  I  could  not  live,  I  knew  better.  I  was 
sure  I  should  be  allowed  to  unmask  the  traitor,  and  expose  Morti 
mer  to  infamy.  I  was  right.  I  recovered  so  rapidly  that  the 
most  sanguine  expectations  of  my  friends  were  more  than  realized  ; 
and  far  sooner  than  I  had  even  dared  to  hope,  I  was  ready  to  sail 
for  England.  But  I  had  nearly  failed  in  this,  for  when  about  to 
embark,  having  all  my  goods  on  board,  I  received  another  letter, 
containing  intelligence  which  had  I  doubted  before,  would  now, 
alas  !  have  left  no  farther  room  for  doubt.  Burning  with  rage,  I 
was  carried  on  board  ship,  where,  by  a  dreadful  relapse  of  fever, 
I  was  brought  a  second  time  to  the  borders  of  the  grave.  Again 
mercy  interposed,  and  I  partially  recovered.  But  I  felt  no  grati 
tude  for  restored  health,  —  no  thanks  to  the  Being  who  had 
preserved  me  amidst  so  many  dangers.  All  the  feelings  of  my 
soul  were  concentrated  into  one  burning  desire  for  revenge,  and 
every  moment  which  delayed  this,  was  an  age  to  my  impatient 
spirit. 

"  I  landed  in  England,  and  without  an  hour's  delay  took  passage 
for  Havre,  from  which  place  I  proceeded  to  Nice. 

"  Oh,  my  son  Eugene  !  I  have  taken  up  my  pen  many  times, 
and  unable  to  relate,  even  to  you,  the  awful,  the  shocking  events 
which  followed,  have  again  and  again  been  obliged  to  lay  it  down. 
But  justice  to  your  departed  mother  requires  the  sacrifice,  and  it 
shall  be  made. 

"  I  reached  Nice,  and  with  the  fires  of  Etna  raging  within  me, 
I  drove  directly  to  the  home  of  Imogen.  She  was  not  in.  One 
of  the  servants  informed  me  she  had  gone  out  to  walk  with  Mr. 
Mortimer. 

"  The  old  steward  caught  my  hand,  as  without  waiting  to  see  my 
children,  I  was  rushing  after  the  wanderers.  "  Thank  God  ! "  said 
he,  "  that  you  have  returned." 

"  Even  in  this  cordial  welcome,  I  read  a  confirmation  of  my 
dishonor.  Having  learned  the  direction  they  had  taken,  I  flew 

34* 


402  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

along  the  streets  until  at  length  I  saw  rny  -wife  approaching  with 
Mortimer.  I  instantly  crouched  behind  a  wall,  and  as  they 
passed,  heard  her  imploring  him  to  leave  Nice. 

"  He  told  her  it  was  in  vain  for  her  to  plead.  The  time  had 
passed  when  he  might  have  done  so ;  now  it  was  no  longer  in  his 
power  to  tear  himself  from  her  presence. 

"  Had  I  not  heard  enough  ?  A  voice  within  me  thundered  why 
wait  for  more  ?  With  one  bound,  I  leaped  like  a  tiger  over  the 
wall,  and  throwing  him  to  a  distance  from  where  she  stood,  I 
presented  a  pistol  to  his  breast. 

"  The  movement  had  been  so  sudden,  and  unexpected,  that  for 
an  instant  they  stood  paralyzed.  But  recovering  himself,  Morti 
mer,  though  pale  as  death,  stood  erect  before  me,  saying,  '  you  can 
do  me  no  greater  favor  than  to  end  a  life  so  miserable  as  mine 
has  become.' 

"  There  was  something  about  him  which  reminded  me  of  the 
loved  Ralph  of  my  boyhood,  and  my  hand  holding  the  pistol 
dropped  to  my  side.  But  Imogen  rushed  forward  and  threw 
herself  at  my  feet.  '  Spare  his  life  !  oh,  Harry !  spare  his  life  !  ! ' 

"In  this  appeal,  I  recognized  only  her  love  for  the  guilty 
wretch  ;  and  I  spurned  her  from  me,  calling  her  by  the  vilest  of 
names.  She  fell  senseless  to  the  ground,  and  I,  maddened  by  the 
scene,  only  waited  to  appoint  a  meeting  for  the  morrow  with 
Mortimer,  when  hastening  to  the  inn,  where  I  had  ordered  my 
horse  to  be  left,  I  flew  rather  than  rode  to  the  next  town.  I 
cannot  tell  how  I  passed  the  night.  At  the  time  specified,  I  was 
at  the  place,  and  soon  Mortimer  met  me.  I  placed  a  brace  of 
pistols  in  his  hand,  and  in^a  voice  hoarse  with  passion,  I  bade  him 
take  his  choice. 

"  Mechanically  he  took  one  from  me,  and  then  stopped.  '  Harry,' 
said  he, '  one  word  before  you  fire.  I  alone  am  to  blame.  Imogen 
is '  —  he  hesitated  — '  an  angel!  ' 

" '  Yes,'  said  I,  drawing  my  breath  with  difficulty, '  but  a  fallen 
one.' 


OR,   REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  403 

"  He  groaned  aloud.  '  Oh,  God  forgive  me  that  I  should  have 
made  her  suffer ! ' 

"  I  was  beside  myself  as  he  thus  dared  to  avow  his  love,  and 
I  ordered  him  to  stand,  or  I  could  not  restrain  myself.  He  stood 
around  facing  the  sun.  Even  in  my  rage,  I  would  not  take  ad 
vantage  of  this,  but  pointed  to  him  to  change  his  position. 

" '  No,'  said  he,  <  I  neither  deserve  nor  wish  to  live.  Fire, 
Harry,'  he  continued,  as  I  paused.  '  I  never  will  raise  my  hand 
against  one  I  have  treated  so  treacherously ! ' 

" '  Ralph,'  I  exclaimed,  (  You  dare  not  refuse  to  give  me  satis 
faction.' 

"  Without  another  word,  he  placed  the  pistol  to  his  own  breast, 
when,  with  a  spring  into  the  air,  he  fell  heavily  to  the  ground. 
He  had  taken  his  own  life. 

"  I  flew  to  him,  and  raised  him  in  my  arms.  All  my  revenge  was 
oozing  out  with  the  blood  which  poured  from  his  death  wound. 

"  '  Oh,  Harry,'  he  said  faintly, '  tell  me  before  I  die  that  you 
will  forgive  Imogen.  She  is  innocent.  She  never  knew  till 
yesterday  that  I  loved  her,  and  then  she  implored  me  to  leave  her 
at  once.  She  said  her  heart  was  all  yours.' 

"  I  gasped  for  breath.  '  Ralph,'  I  shouted,  '  say  again  that  she 
ts  innocent,  and  I  will  willingly  lie  down  beside  you  and  die.' 

"  '  Harry,'  and  the  voice  grew  more  and  more  faint.  <  I  would 
not  deceive  you.  Had  she  known  the  wicked  feelings  I  have 
indulged,  she  would  have  spurned  me  from  her  presence.' 

"  '  And  you  ?  '  I  asked  quickly. 

"'I  dared  —  to  love  her — whom  you  —  so  trustingly — con 
fided  —  to  —  my  —  care  ! ' 

'•  The  last  words  were  spoken  so  faintly,  that  by  putting  my  ear 
to  his  mouth,  I  could  scarcely  distinguish  them.  '  Oh,  Ralph,'  I 
exclaimed  in  an  agony  of  remorse,  '  you  must  not  die ! '  The 
blood  had  ceased  flowing  since  I  had  crowded  into  the  wound  a 
handkerchief  torn  from  my  neck,  and  I  began  to  hope  he  had  but 
fainted.  I  shouted  '  help  ! '  Soon  some  men  came  running  from 


404  CORA   AND    THE   DOCTOR; 

a  field.     I  told  them  a  man  was  dying  from  loss  of  blood,  and  I 
wanted  help  to  carry  him  to  the  inn. 

From  that  fatal  moment,  I  remember  nothing  which  passed  for 
nearly  a  month,  except  lying  in  a  darkened  room,  while  a  figure 
dressed  in  white  floated  around  me.  When  I  partly  recovered  my 
consciousness,  I  began  to  listen  for  the  light  footstep,  and  looked 
up  to  see  my  nurse.  She  was  dressed  in  a  gray  robe,  like  the 
sisters  of  charity,  with  a  hood  which  nearly  concealed  her  face. 
I  turned  my  head  to  the  wall  and  sighed  ;  but  my  thoughts  soon 
wandered,  and  I  forgot  my  disappointment.  Whenever  I  slept,  I 
dreamed  that  my  Imogen  was  by  my  side,  but  awoke  only  to  see 
the  calm  figure  of  the  hooded  nun.  Twice  I  felt  sure  I  heard 
violent  weeping  in  the  room,  but  could  never  discover  the  cause. 

"  I  had  now  regained  my  consciousness,  but  I  dared  ask  no 
questions.  The  nun  never  spoke.  She  performed  the  office  of  a 
nurse  in  the  most  tender  and  devoted  manner.  But  after  I  had 
begun  to  question  her,  she  left  me,  and  her  place  was  supplied  by 
another.  I  asked  my  physician  to  restore  the  one  who  had  so 
kindly  watched  over  me. 

"  '  Her  skill  has  saved  your  life,'  was  all  his  reply. 

"  I  asked  him  how  I  came  to  this  place. 

"  '  When  you  are  strong  enough  to  bear  it  I  will  tell  you.' 
>"This  answer  put  me  back  several  days.  When  at  the  worst, 
I  one  day  suddenly  opened  my  eyes,  and  found  the  gray  nun 
leaning  over  me.  For  an  instant  the  large  lustrous  eyes  looked 
mournfully  into  mine,  and  I  was  sure  Imogen  was  before  me, 
when  turning  partly  aside,  a  calm,  cold  voice  asked  me  what  I 
would  have. 

"  The  disappointment  was  too  great.  I  buried  my  head  in  the 
bed  clothes  and  wept.  I  saw  her  no  more.  A  week  passed  away  ; 
it  was  a  full  month  since  I  first  asked  the  question  ;  and  I 
again  implored  my  kind  physician  to  tell  me  what  had  happened 
during  my  sickness.  I  found  Mortimer  had  never  spoken  after  he 
reached  the  house ;  and  I"  had  been  discovered  and  conveyed  to 
my  home,  I  never  knew  by  whom. 


OR,  REVELATIONS    OF  A   PHYSICIAN'S   WIFE.  405 

"  I  had  over-estimated  my  strength,  and  again  relapsed.  But 
this  time  I  had  my  reason.  Then  it  was  that  my  sins  stared  me 
in  the  face.  I  was  a  murderer.  Yes,  though  my  hands  had  not 
shed  blood  except  in  battles,  yet  in  the  sight  of  God,  aye,  and  in 
my  own  sight,  I  was  a  murderer. 

"  But  where  were  Imogen  and  my  children  ?  I  had  often  asked 
this  question,  but  had  never  been  able  to  obtain  a  reply.  I  now 
determined  to  ask  Mr.  Percival ;  and  taking  advantage  of  an 
early  visit,  I  put  the  question  directly  to  him,  '  "Where  is  my 
wife?' 

"  He  shook  his  head  mournfully. 

" '  I  cannot  be  kept  longer  in  suspense,'  I  exclaimed.  '  Do  not 
fear  it  will  injure  me.' 

" '  I  shall  probably  be  able  to  impart  some  knowledge  of  her 
at  our  next  interview,'  he  replied,  and  soon  took  his  leave. 

"  When  he  bent  over  my  head  at  parting,  I  saw  his  eye  was 
moistened  by  a  tear,  and  I  loved  him  for  sympathizing  in  my 
grief. 

"  Oh,  my  son !  my  hand  almost  refuses  to  record  the  pang 
which  was  soon  to  seize  my  soul.  During  the  days  succeeding 
his  visit,  I  arose  from  my  bed,  dispensed  with  the  services  of  a 
physician,  and  yet  my  kind  friend  came  not.  I  determined  to 
wait  no  longer.  Though  hardly  daring  to  hope  that  my  injured 
wife  would  forgive  me,  yet  I  longed  to  throw  myself  at  her  feet, 
and  sue  for  pardon.  I  called  my  servant  and  told  him  to  send  for 
the  clergyman. 

"  He  replied,  '  Mr.  Percival  is  below,  and  will  wait  upon  you.' 

Something  in  the  manner  of  the  man  alarmed  me,  and  sinking 
back  in  my  chair,  under  an  apprehension  of  I  knew  not  what,  I 
impatiently  awaited  my  visitor.  He  came  in,  kind  and  gentle 
as  ever,  and  sat  by  my  side. 

" '  You  promised,'  said  I  eagerly,  '  to  tell  me  of  my  Imogen.' 

"  '  I  have  come  for  that  purpose,  my  son,'  and  again  he  paused. 

" '  Mr.  Percival,'  I  said,  catching  hold  of  his  hand,  '  Have  you 
no  compassion  ? ' 


406  CORA   AND   THE   DOCTOR; 

"  He  put  his  handkerchief  to  his  eyes.     '  She  is  at  rest ! ' 

"  I  sprang  from  my  chair,  and  stood  before  him,  only  half 
comprehending  his  meaning.  '  Where  ?  '  I  tried  to  articulate. 

''  He  pointed  upward. 

"  I  pass  over  the  agony  of  that  period.  It  was  a  long,  long 
time  before  I  could  be  reconciled  to  life.  I  could  not  endure  the 
thought  of  leaving  the  grave  of  my  lost  Imogen,  and  I  sent  my 
steward  to  England  for  our  children.  My  sympathizing  friend, 
Mr.  Percival,  had  directed  me  where  to  find  them.  The  steward 
returned  with  you,  my  son ;  but  from  that  time  to  the  present,  I 
have  never  been  able  to  find  the  least  trace  of  the  little  Inez.  She 
had  started  for  England  with  her  nurse  to  meet  you,  who  were 
there  with  our  friends,  and  though  I  caused  the  strictest  enquiries 
to  be  made,  and  advertised  in  the  papers  for  many  months,  yet 
nothing  could  be  learned.  She  was  probably  wrecked  in  a  vessel 
reported  as  lost  at  sea  about  that  time. 

"  This  loss  was,  however,  but  slight  compared  with  the  one 
which  from  the  hour  I  heard  it,  to  the  present,  has  pressed  upon 
me  with  a  mountain  weight.  The  conduct  of  your  mother  was  so 
spotless,  that,  notwithstanding  the  intimacy  of  Mortimer  in  the 
family,  not  a  breath  of  calumny  had  ever  fallen  on  their  intercourse. 
The  loss  of  her  parents  had  been  blessed  to  her  soul,  so  that  for 
a  year  she  had  been  a  humble  Christian.  She  came  and  watched 
over  me  during  my  sickness  in  the  disguise  of  a  nun,  the  physi 
cian  enforcing  perfect  silence  as  the  only  condition  of  her  presence. 
She  arose  from  her  bed  to  look  upon  me  once  more,  and  then 
returned  to  the  parsonage  to  die  of  a  broken  heart. 

"  My  dear  son,  Eugene,  I  have  now  concluded  my  brief  sketch 
of  my  crimes,  and  of  your  mother's  virtues.  No  motive  less 
powerful  than  the  desire  to  do  justice  to  her  memory,  together 
with  the  hope  that  you  may  be  enabled  by  the  grace  of  God  to 
avoid  the  one  and  to  imitate  the  other,  could  have  induced  me  to 
make  a  record  of  this  portion  of  my  life. 

"  I  have  with  great  satisfaction  observed  that  in  the  sweetness 


OB,  REVELATIONS   OF  A  PHYSICIANS   WIFE.  407 

and  urbanity  of  your  disposition,  you  resemble  your  lovely  mother. 
Could  I  feel  that  religion  guided,  and  governed  your  thoughts  and 
actions ;  that  the  instructions  I  have  endeavored  to  impress  upon 
your  mind,  would  be  sanctified  to  your  heart  by  the  Holy  Spirit ; 
that  the  daily  and  hourly  prayers  I  have  sent  up  to  heaven  in  your 
behalf  would  be  accepted,  and  answered,  then  indeed  I  could  lay 
me  down  and  die  in  peace. 

"  Oh,  my  dear  son !  Take  warning  by  my  crimes ;  by  the 
sudden  blighting  of  all  my  fondest  hopes  ;  by  my  premature  old 
age  ;  but  above  all,  by  the  agony  of  remorse,  which  has  in  the 
prime  of  life,  brought  my  gray  hairs  in  sorrow  to  the  grave  ;  take 
warning  never  to  be  governed  and  controlled  by  passion.  Never 
allow  yourself  to  be  influenced  by  what  is  falsely  called  "  honor" 
to  raise  your  hand  against  your  fellow. 

"  In  every  event  of  life  you  have  a  sure  guide  in  the  word  of 
God.  Eead  it,  my  son;  read  it  daily;  read  it  prayerfully; 
endeavor  to  conform  your  life  to  its  precepts ;  so  shall  you  be 
useful  in  life,  peaceful  in  death,  and  happy  through  all  eternity. 

"And  now,  my  dearly  beloved  son,  farewell!  Though  my  sins 
have  risen  up  to  heaven,  yet  the  blood  of  my  crucified  Saviour 
has  sufficed  to  wash  away  their  guilty  stains.  I  leave  myself 
with  him,  trusting  solely  in  his  righteousness  for  pardon  and  salva 
tion. 

"  Soon  I  hope  to  receive  my  summons  to  resign  my  earthly 
tabernacle,  and  to  join  my  Imogen  in  forever  singing  praises  to 
him  who  died  to  redeem  my  guilty  soul. 

"  Eugene,  my  son,  Eugene  !  FAREWELL  ! ! " 


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